Explained: How Afghanistan can qualify for T20 World Cup 2026 Super 8s after losing two consecutive matches

Rashid Khan-led Afghanistan failed to perform in the ICC T20 World Cup 2026 after losing two consecutive matches in Group D of the marquee event. The Asian Giants who impressed everyone by reaching the semi-finals in 2024, suffered a heartbreaking defeat against South Africa in Match No. 13 at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad on Wednesday (February 11). The game went down to a second Super Over, where Afghanistan fell short while chasing a target of 24 runs.

This was their second straight defeat in the tournament. They had earlier lost to New Zealand by five wickets in Chennai on February 8.

Afghanistan's current position

Even after back-to-back losses, Afghanistan are currently placed third in the Group D points table. However, their hopes of reaching the Super 8 stage are hanging by a thread.

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How Afghanistan can stay in race for T20 WC 2026 super 8s race

To stay in the race, Afghanistan must win their remaining two matches, against the United Arab Emirates on February 16 and Canada on February 19, and it needs to win both by big margins. At the same time, they will be hoping that either New Zealand or South Africa lose both of their remaining group games.

If that happens, Afghanistan can finish with four points from four matches. In that case, one of New Zealand or South Africa would also end up with four points, and the second qualification spot would be decided by Net Run Rate (NRR). That is where Afghanistan could still have a chance.

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Will Afghanistan's campaign end early?

However, there is another possibility that could end their campaign early. If the February 14 match between New Zealand and South Africa in Ahmedabad is washed out due to rain, both teams will get one point each. That would take them to five points, which Afghanistan cannot reach even if they win both their remaining matches. In that situation, Afghanistan would be knocked out.

Who will become the first team from Group D to qualify for the Super 8s

The winner of the New Zealand vs South Africa clash will become the first team from Group D to qualify for the Super 8s.

Right now, both New Zealand and South Africa have won their first two matches and have four points each. New Zealand sit at the top of the table because of a better Net Run Rate, with South Africa just behind them in second place.