India vs Pakistan in T20 World Cup 2026 Semifinal, all permutations explained

Suryakumar Yadav-led India suffered a massive 76-run defeat in their first T20 World Cup 2026 Super 8 clash at Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad. With the massive win, South Africa inched closer to sealing their T20 World Cup 2026 semifinal berth, and on the other hand, India needs to win their remaining matches with a big margin.

However, there are chances India might face Pakistan in the semifinal of the mega event if both teams manage to qualify for the do-or-die clash.

How India and Pakistan face each other in T20 World Cup semifinal?

India and Pakistan, who finished as the top two teams in Group A, are now placed in Group 1 and Group 2 of the Super 8 stage. There is a strong chance the two rivals could meet again in the semi-final, but it depends on how they finish in this round.

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If India end up topping their group (A1) and Pakistan finishes second in theirs (B2), or the other way around, the two teams will face each other in the first semi-final. Originally, this match was scheduled to be played in Kolkata. However, if Pakistan qualify for the semi-finals, no matter where India finishes, the match will be shifted to the R Premadasa Stadium in Colombo.

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The second semi-final, meanwhile, is set to be held at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai on March 5.

Pakistan’s Super 8 journey did not begin smoothly, as their opening match against New Zealand in Colombo was washed out due to rain.

The last time India and Pakistan met in a T20 World Cup knockout game was during the inaugural edition in 2007, where the MS Dhoni-led side defeated Pakistan by seven runs to win the title.

India’s potential semifinal venues and how they can face Pakistan

If India tops Group 1 and Pakistan does not qualify, India will play the first semi-final in Kolkata on March 4
If India tops Group 1 and Pakistan finishes second in Group 2, India and Pakistan will meet in the first semi-final in Colombo on March 4
If India finishes second in Group 1 and Pakistan tops Group 2, India and Pakistan will meet in the first semi-final in Colombo on March 4
If India and Pakistan finish first/second in Groups 1 and 2, India will play the second-semifinal in Mumbai on March 5
If India finishes second in Group 1 and Pakistan fails to qualify, India will play the second-semifinal in Mumbai on March 5

How will India qualify for T20 World Cup 2026 semifinal?

After a massive defeat against South Africa, India needs to win their remaining Super 8 matches with a good net run rate to keep their hopes of defending the T20 World Cup alive. Suryakumar Yadav-led side will now face Zimbabwe in their upcoming T20 World Cup clash, which will take place on February 26 at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai.