Can Australia actually get knocked out of the World Cup? What do Pakistan have to do to qualify? Al Jazeera explains.
Printed On 16 Feb 2026
After two weeks of motion within the ICC Males’s T20 World Cup 2026, solely three groups have booked their place within the subsequent spherical of the event, whereas the remaining are preventing for the remaining 5 spots.
In a uncommon state of affairs, 2021 champions Australia are at risk of crashing out of the event on the first hurdle, whereas the USA have an outdoor likelihood of progressing.
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Al Jazeera breaks down the qualification probabilities and pathways for the Tremendous Eights:
Which groups have certified for the Tremendous Eights?
Defending champions India turned the most recent aspect to progress with their win over Pakistan on Sunday, becoming a member of the West Indies and South Africa.
Which groups are out of the Tremendous Eights race?
After dropping all three of their group stage matches up to now, Namibia, Nepal and Oman have been knocked out of the event. They may play their one remaining group sport every, however it is going to be inconsequential to their possibilities of development.
Can Pakistan nonetheless qualify for the Tremendous Eights?
A win over Namibia of their final group sport will see Pakistan by means of to the subsequent stage, however a loss might pit them in opposition to the USA in a battle of internet run charges.
Presently, the 2009 champions have a better internet run price of 0.932 than the USA’s 0.788, however a loss to Namibia and the margin of it might change these numbers and place Pakistan in a predicament.
Can Australia actually get knocked out of the T20 World Cup?
Whereas it has occurred earlier than – in 2009 – the prospect of Australia exiting a World Cup on the group stage would come as a shock to cricket followers, who’re accustomed to seeing the boys in yellow and gold dominating international tournaments.
Australia should win their remaining two video games, in opposition to Sri Lanka on Monday and in opposition to Oman on Friday, to be in a robust place for Tremendous Eight qualification.
Nonetheless, profitable each matches will not be sufficient for Australia as they’ll nonetheless be knocked out of the World Cup on the premise of internet run price. The much-needed victories would take them to 6 factors, however the present joint table-toppers – Sri Lanka and Zimbabwe – might additionally end their group stage with six factors every.
For the 2021 champions to qualify, they’d hope Zimbabwe beat Sri Lanka or the African aspect lose to Eire.
Ought to Australia lose to Sri Lanka, they would want to beat Oman to have 4 factors. Earlier than that sport, which is the final within the group stage, Australia would need Zimbabwe to lose each their matches and end on two factors.
Which different groups can nonetheless qualify for the Tremendous Eights?
Group A: Pakistan are favourites to seize the second qualification spot, with the USA nonetheless in play.
Group B: All three of Sri Lanka, Zimbabwe and Australia could make it by means of, making this group essentially the most thrilling of the 4 within the final spherical of matches.
Group C: A win over Italy of their final group sport will see England qualify for the Tremendous Eights.
Group D: New Zealand will likely be assured of becoming a member of present group leaders South Africa within the subsequent spherical with a win over lower-ranked Canada. Whereas Afghanistan are nonetheless in rivalry, their solely likelihood of qualification will come in the event that they beat Canada and New Zealand lose to Canada.
When are the Tremendous Eights matches of the T20 World Cup?
The second stage of the event runs from February 21 to March 1.
