Former cricketers pick the semi-finalists: The group stage games of the 2026 T20 World Cup are nearing their end, as only one dead rubber match between Australia and Oman remains. It is to be played on Friday. The tournament has already got its teams for the Super 8 round. India, South Africa, Zimbabwe, and the West Indies have been seeded in one group.
In the other group, England, New Zealand, Sri Lanka, and Pakistan have been seeded. The first match of the Super 8 is set to begin on Saturday with New Zealand taking on Pakistan. India will be facing South Africa on Sunday evening, as it is a double header with Sri Lanka playing England in the afternoon game on the same day.
India and South Africa favourites
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 all picked their top fours for the 2026 T20 World Cup edition.
While speaking on Star Sports, Yuzvendra Chahal said, “According to me, the top 4 teams for the semifinal will be India, South Africa, England and New Zealand.” Later on Pujara picked “India and South Africa from our group and from the other group, I’ll say Sri Lanka and New Zealand.” Mohammad Kaif said, “Top 4 teams, India, South Africa and England and New Zealand will be in the top 4.”
Can Pakistan qualify for the last four?
Varun Aaron’s pick was surprising, as he said, “Obviously India, number one. I’m going to choose the underdogs, West Indies from the same group. The other group, I’m going to go England. I think England will just somehow make it. I’m hoping Jos Butler hits form and just for the plot, Pakistan.”
Here’s the video
Predictions are in! 🔥
Experts share their Top 4 predictions for the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026. 😯💯
Who’s in your Final Four? 👀
ICC Men’s #T20WorldCup SUPER 8 👉 #INDvSA | SUN, 22 FEB, 6 PM pic.twitter.com/nIues1mHfz
— Star Sports (@StarSportsIndia) February 20, 2026
Sanjay Banger stated, “India, South Africa from the first group and from the other group, Sri Lanka and Pakistan.” Concluding the predictions was Saba Karim as he picked, “From group A, India and South Africa and from group B, England and Sri Lanka.”
India and South Africa are the finalists of the previous edition of the competition. India are the reigning champions, and they came in as favourites to win this tournament at home, as they are the co-hosts alongside Sri Lanka. In the Super 8s, three subcontinent teams have qualified due to their ability to adapt to the conditions well.
Zimbabwe can pull off upsets in the Super 8s
No team has ever defended the trophy and won the T20 World Cup at home. The Men in Blue definitely have a chance to win this edition as they have lost just one match in 27 games in their last four ICC tournaments. Sri Lanka also has a chance of qualifying for the final as they play at home.
In group one, which comprises India, South Africa, Zimbabwe, and the West Indies, the teams have come to this round winning all their group fixtures. This group makes it interesting to watch as Zimbabwe, who defeated Australia and Sri Lanka, will give a tough time to the other teams.
Also Read: India vs Pakistan T20 World Cup 2026 final booked and sealed
