T20 World Cup: Know your teams that qualified for Super 8s

Dubai: While most of the anticipated contenders reached the Super 8 stage of the T20 World Cup, Australia’s early elimination emerged as the tournament’s biggest surprise.

The West Indies were the first side to secure qualification for the next round, while Pakistan became the final team to book their place after defeating Namibia.

From Group A, India progressed in commanding fashion, winning all three of their matches against the United States, Namibia, and Pakistan. Pakistan joined them in the Super 8s but had to wait until their final group match against Namibia, which they won comfortably on Wednesday, to confirm qualification. India play Netherlands in the last group match which is not of any consequence.

Group B produced a major twist, with hosts Sri Lanka advancing after claiming victories over Australia, Ireland, and Oman in their opening three games. Zimbabwe, who stunned Australia earlier in the tournament, also moved through after their final league fixture against Ireland in Kandy was washed out. The shared points result knocked out the 2021 champions Australia. Sri Lanka and Zimbabwe will meet in their final group-stage encounter on Thursday, a match with no bearing on qualification.

In Group C, West Indies were dominant, securing three wins against Nepal, England, and Scotland, with a final group match against Italy still to come on Thursday. England also progressed from the group, finishing their campaign with three victories.

Group D saw South Africa top the standings with four wins from four matches, advancing alongside New Zealand, who claimed three victories to finish second.

The top two teams from each group will advance to the semi-finals, with the winner of each Super 8s group facing the runner-up from the other. The final is slated on March 8.

Group 1: India, Zimbabwe, South Africa and West Indies

Group 2: Pakistan, New Zealand, Sri Lanka and England