New Delhi, March 1 – As the three semi-finalists for the ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2026 have been confirmed, the final spot will be decided on the final day of the Super Eights round between defending champions India and the West Indies on Sunday evening, as the race to become champions continues.
India's confidence-boosting victory over Zimbabwe on Thursday leaves the Asian side with a straightforward equation heading into their final Super Eights match against the West Indies.
A victory over the West Indies will secure India's place in the semi-finals, while a loss will eliminate them. If India qualify, they are likely to finish second in Group 1 behind South Africa and then face the top-ranked team (England) from Group 2 in the semi-final.
India will take on the Windies at their home ground, Eden Gardens in Kolkata. However, the West Indies also have positive memories of the venue, having won their second T20 World Cup title after defeating England in the final at Eden Gardens in 2016.
However, India have a superior record at the venue in the shorter format of the game and have been undefeated in Kolkata since 2016. Moreover, India have never lost a game against the West Indies at this iconic venue.
India has played eight T20I matches at the venue since 2011 and has only lost one game. India's only loss at Eden Gardens in a T20I came against England in October 2011. Since then, India has won seven consecutive matches in seven T20I matches at the venue.
India and the West Indies have played four T20I matches at Eden Gardens, with the hosts claiming victories in all four. India's last victory against the West Indies at the venue came in February 2022.
Overall, India and the West Indies have played 30 T20I matches, with India having the upper hand with 19 wins and the West Indies emerging victorious on 10 occasions. One of the matches between the two sides ended in a no result.
Squads:
India: Suryakumar Yadav (c), Ishan Kishan (wk), Abhishek Sharma, Tilak Varma, Hardik Pandya, Shivam Dube, Rinku Singh, Washington Sundar, Arshdeep Singh, Varun Chakaravarthy, Jasprit Bumrah, Sanju Samson (wk), Mohammed Siraj, Kuldeep Yadav, Axar Patel.
West Indies: Brandon King, Shai Hope (wk/c), Shimron Hetmyer, Rovman Powell, Sherfane Rutherford, Romario Shepherd, Jason Holder, Matthew Forde, Akeal Hosein, Gudakesh Motie, Shamar Joseph, Quentin Sampson, Jayden Seales, Roston Chase, Johnson Charles
