T20 World Cup 2026 IND vs WI: In the Super-8 stage of ICC T20 World Cup 2026, now the second semi-finalist from Group-1 is to be decided by the match between India and West Indies. This match, to be played at Eden Gardens on March 1, has become like ‘do or die’ for both the teams. The team that wins this match will directly secure its place in the semi-finals.
At present, both the teams have 2-2 points in the points table of Super-8. However, in terms of net run rate, West Indies (+1.791) is ahead of India (-0.100). In such a situation, this match has become a virtual quarter-final, where only victory will decide the way forward.
What will happen if the match is cancelled?
The biggest question is that if the match between India and West Indies does not take place due to rain or any other reason, then who will reach the semi-finals?
According to ICC rules, if a match ends without a result, then one point is given to the account of both the teams. In this situation, both India and West Indies will have a total of 3 points each. In this situation, the decision to make place in the semi-finals will be based on net run rate.
At present, the net run rate of West Indies is better than India. This simply means that if the match is cancelled, West Indies will reach the semi-finals, whereas the Indian team’s journey may end here.
Victory is the only way for India
The equation for the Indian team is now very clear – if they want to reach the semi-finals, they will have to win this match at any cost. A big win can also improve the net run rate of the team, which can prove beneficial in the future.
How is the weather?
The weather is expected to be clear in Kolkata on the day of the match and rain will not create any problem. Fans can enjoy the entire match without any disturbance. In such a situation, both the teams will try to make it to the last four on the basis of their performance.
Now it will be interesting to see whether the Indian team is able to register a win in this pressure-filled match and get a ticket for the semi-finals or whether the West Indies is successful in maintaining its lead. The contest is expected to be full of thrill.
