The T20 World Cup Super Eights stage begins on Saturday with Pakistan taking on New Zealand in Colombo, as the tournament enters a decisive phase without former champions Australia. In a major shock, Australia failed to qualify for the second round for the first time since 2009.
Zimbabwe emerged as the surprise package of the tournament, topping Group B with an unbeaten run that included victories over Australia and Sri Lanka. Meanwhile, India — the world’s top-ranked T20 side — remain strong contenders to retain their title on home soil.
In the T20 World Cup Super Eights, India will face South Africa in a high-profile rematch of the 2024 final at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad. Both teams advanced with four wins each and remain in dominant form.
Pakistan secured their Super Eights berth after a commanding 102-run win over Namibia. Captain Salman Agha called it a “complete performance” as the team bounced back from a defeat to India earlier in the group stage.
England, West Indies, Sri Lanka, and Zimbabwe also feature in the Super Eights, with the top two teams from each group advancing to the semi-finals. As the T20 World Cup Super Eights unfold, the race for the trophy intensifies.