Former cricketers selected semi-finalists: The group stage games of the 2026 T20 World Cup are about to end as only one dead rubber match is left between Australia and Oman. It is to be played on Friday. The tournament has already found its teams for the Super 8 round. India, South Africa, Zimbabwe and West Indies have been placed in one group.
In the second group, England, New Zealand, Sri Lanka and Pakistan have been given preference. The first match of Super 8 will start from Saturday in which New Zealand will face Pakistan. India will face South Africa on Sunday evening as it is a double header match and on the same day, Sri Lanka will play England in the afternoon game.
India and South Africa favorites
Ahead of the match, former cricketers turned commentators have shared their predictions on the semi-finalists of the competition. Former players like Yuzvendra Chahal, Cheteshwar Pujara, Mohammad Kaif, Varun Aaron, Sanjay Bangar and Saba Karim have chosen their top four players for the 2026 T20 World Cup edition.
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Speaking on Star Sports, Yuzvendra Chahal said, “According to me, the top 4 teams for the semi-finals will be India, South Africa, England and New Zealand.” Later, Pujara “picked India and South Africa from our group and from the other group, I would say Sri Lanka and New Zealand.” “The top 4 teams, India, South Africa and England and New Zealand will be in the top 4,” Mohammad Kaif said.
Will Pakistan be able to qualify for the last four?
Varun Aaron’s selection was surprising, as he said, “Definitely India, number one. I’m going to pick the weak West Indies from the same group. The second group, I’m going to go to England. I think England will make it somehow. I hope Jos Buttler hits form and just for the sake of plot, Pakistan.”
Here is the video
Predictions exist! 🔥
Experts share their top 4 predictions for the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026. 😯💯
Who is in your final four? 👀
icc men #T20WorldCup super 8 👉 #INDvSA | Sun, Feb 22, 6pm pic.twitter.com/nIues1mHfz
– Star Sports (@StarSportsIndia) 20 February 2026
Sanjay Bangar said, “From Group 1, India, South Africa and from Group 2, Sri Lanka and Pakistan.” Concluding the predictions, Saba Karim said, “From Group A, India and South Africa and from Group B, England and Sri Lanka.”
India and South Africa are finalists of the previous edition of the competition. India are the defending champions, and they come in as favorites to win this tournament on home soil, as they are co-hosts with Sri Lanka. Three teams from the subcontinent have qualified for the Super 8 because of their ability to adapt well to the conditions.
Zimbabwe can cause an upset in Super 8
No team has ever defended the trophy and won the T20 World Cup on home soil. The Men in Blue certainly have a chance to win this edition as they have lost just one match out of 27 matches in their last four ICC tournaments. Sri Lanka also has a chance to qualify for the final due to playing on home ground.
In Group One, which includes India, South Africa, Zimbabwe and West Indies, the teams entered this round after winning all their group matches. This group makes for interesting viewing as Zimbabwe, who have defeated Australia and Sri Lanka, will give a tough challenge to the other teams.
Also read: India vs Pakistan T20 World Cup 2026 final booked and sealed
