India’s route to the semifinals of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 has become significantly more complicated after a 76-run defeat to South Africa in their opening Super 8 match, a result that left them bottom of Group 1 on net run rate.
South Africa, led by Aiden Markram, posted 187/7 and then bowled India out for 111 in 18.5 overs at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad, ending India’s unbeaten run in the tournament.
South Africa surge to top as India’s net run rate collapses
After the first round of Super 8 fixtures in Group 1, South Africa sit first with two points and a net run rate (NRR) of +3.800. India remain on zero points with an NRR of -3.800, a steep deficit early in the stage.
West Indies and Zimbabwe had yet to play at the time the updated table was published, with their first Super 8 match scheduled next.
India semifinal scenario: two wins may still not be enough
India have two Super 8 matches remaining, against West Indies and Zimbabwe. Winning both would take India to four points, but that does not guarantee a top-two finish in the group if other results create a tie on points.
If South Africa lose one of their remaining matches, they could also finish on four points. West Indies or Zimbabwe could likewise reach four points depending on results, creating a multi-team tie in which NRR becomes decisive.
With India’s NRR heavily damaged by the 76-run defeat, qualification could come down to how big their wins are and the margins in the other matches.
What happened in the loss to South Africa
Reuters reported South Africa recovered from 20/3 to reach 187/7, with David Miller hitting 63 and partnerships that lifted them to a match-winning total. India’s chase then fell away, with Marco Jansen taking 4/22 and India dismissed for 111.
The defeat was India’s first loss of the tournament and immediately increased the pressure on their remaining Super 8 fixtures, where both points and run-rate swings can determine the two semifinal spots from Group 1.