India and South Africa are locked in a battle for a semi-final spot at the Women’s T20 World Cup 2026. Here’s what they need from their last group games to qualify for last four.
With wins in their respective matches on Thursday, India and South Africa kept their hopes of making it to the semi-finals alive. Following those results, India are second in the Group A points table with a net run-rate of +2.268, while South Africa are third with an NRR of +0.734.
There is a sizeable difference in the net run-rate of the two sides, who are both in must-win territory. India will face the unbeaten Australia in their final group-stage clash, while South Africa are scheduled to lock horns against Bangladesh.
Women’s T20 World Cup 2026 Group A points table
Team | Played | Won | Lost | No Result | Points | NRR |
Australia | 4 | 4 | 0 | 0 | 8 | 4.724 |
India | 4 | 3 | 1 | 0 | 6 | 2.268 |
South Africa | 4 | 3 | 1 | 0 | 6 | 0.734 |
Bangladesh | 4 | 2 | 2 | 0 | 4 | -0.849 |
Pakistan (E) | 4 | 0 | 4 | 0 | 0 | -2.831 |
Netherlands (E) | 4 | 0 | 4 | 0 | 0 | -3.640 |
Women’s T20 World Cup 2026 Group A Schedule
June 28, 10:30am Local time: South Africa vs Bangladesh, Lord’s
June 28, 2:30pm Local time: Australia vs India, Lord’s
What do India and South Africa need to qualify for Women’s T20WC semi-finals?
There is a fairly straightforward scenario for both South Africa and India. For Laura Wolvaardt and Co, a win over Bangladesh, followed by India’s defeat to Australia, would take them straight into the semi-finals with eight points and take NRR out of the equation. For Harmanpreet Kaur’s side, a win over Australia will keep most likely them ahead of South Africa’s NRR if the two sides finish on eight points each.
But there is a condition where South Africa could stay above India even if the latter beat Australia, though highly unlikely. If they bat first, they will have to beat Bangladesh by at least 130-135 runs depending upon their score, and hope India beat Australia by not more than eight to ten runs.
In case Bangladesh bat first, South Africa will have to chase the target in five to six overs (again, depending upon the target). If this happens, then South Africa must hope that India don’t win by more than eight to ten runs or chase their target with more than two overs to spare.
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