The ICC T20 World Cup Super 8 stage took a dramatic turn on February 26. These results left the Group 1 semi-final race wide open. The teams now head into a decisive match on March 1 at Eden Gardens, Kolkata.

India played brilliantly against Zimbabwe. Abhishek Sharma and Hardik Pandya hit fast half-centuries to post a record 256/4. Arshdeep Singh then tore through Zimbabwe’s batting order. He took 3/24 and kept them to 184/6. Brian Bennett fought back with a massive 97 off 59 balls, but it was not enough. India’s 72-run win showed their strength. It also knocked Zimbabwe out of the tournament after two straight losses.

India vs West Indies: A Virtual Knockout Awaits at Eden Gardens

South Africa kept up their winning streak by beating the West Indies. They now lead Group 1 with four points and a high NRR of +2.890.

The standings show a tense situation. India and the West Indies both have two points after two games. This makes their next game a straight knockout. The winner goes to the semi-finals. Neither side has any room for mistakes.

Net Run Rate will not decide who moves on because the teams have equal points. However, NRR matters if the match is a washout. If rain stops play at Eden Gardens, the West Indies will move to the last four. They have a better NRR of +1.791 compared to India’s -0.100.

A total washout seems unlikely, but Kolkata weather can change quickly. India wants a full game and a clear result. They do not want to rely on the weather to reach the final stages of the tournament.

All eyes now turn to Eden Gardens. This classic battle between bat and ball will decide who takes the final semi-final spot in Group 1. Now, we have to wait and see what happens finally on the day of the match at the Eden Gardens in Kolkata.