The ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2024 has been a roller-coaster of thrilling matches, unexpected upsets, and outstanding performances. As the group stage wraps up, cricket enthusiasts worldwide are gearing up for the next exciting phase: the Super 8 stage.

The Super 8 stage of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup is less than a week away and many teams have already qualified for this crucial stage of the T20 event. Here’s all you need to know about the all-important Super 8 stage of the T20 World Cup.

Tournament structure

Group stage recap

The group stage of the T20 World Cup featured 20 teams split into four groups of five. Each team battled it out to secure a top-two finish in their group, ensuring their progression to the Super 8 stage. We’ve seen intense competition, with several matches going down to the wire.

Introduction to Super 8 stage

Now, the tournament advances to the Super 8 stage. This phase will determine which teams make it to the semi-finals and, ultimately, who will compete for the coveted trophy.

Qualified Teams for Super 8

The teams that have secured their spots in the Super 8 stage include India, USA, Australia, Afghanistan, West Indies, and South Africa. These teams have shown remarkable skill and consistency in the group stage.

Potential qualifiers

The remaining spots in the Super 8 are up for grabs, with England or Scotland from Group B and Bangladesh or the Netherlands from Group D poised to fill these slots. The final group stage matches will be decisive in determining the last two qualifiers.

Super 8 Groups

Group 1 breakdown

Group 1 will consist of the first-place teams from Groups A and C, and the second-place teams from Groups B and D. This grouping promises some high-octane clashes.

Group 2 breakdown

Group 2 will include the top teams from Groups B and D and the second-placed teams from Groups A and C. This group is also set to deliver some thrilling encounters.

Super 8 seeding explained

For the first time, the ICC has introduced pre-tournament seedings for the 2024 T20 World Cup. These seedings were based on T20I rankings, ensuring a predetermined structure for the Super 8 fixtures.

Impact of Seedings on Group Stage

The pre-seeded teams retain their designated spots in the Super 8 stage, regardless of their actual finishing positions in the group stage. For instance, India (A1), Pakistan (A2), England (B1), Australia (B2), New Zealand (C1), West Indies (C2), South Africa (D1), and Sri Lanka (D2) were the allotted seedings.

Super 8 format

The Super 8 stage will feature two groups of four teams each, with each team playing three matches within their group.

The top two teams from each group will advance to the semi-finals.

The semi-finals will be held in Trinidad and Tobago and Guyana on June 26 and 27, respectively, with the final scheduled for Barbados on June 29. Reserve days are also planned for these crucial matches.

India’s Super 8 matches

India, paired with Australia, Afghanistan, and either Bangladesh or the Netherlands in Group 1, has a challenging road ahead. Here are India’s Super 8 fixtures:

• Afghanistan vs India on Thursday, June 20, 8:00 PM at Kensington Oval, Barbados.
• India vs Bangladesh/Netherlands on Saturday, June 22, 8:00 PM at Sir Vivian Richards Stadium, Antigua.
• Australia vs India on Monday, June 24, 8:00 PM at Daren Sammy National Cricket Stadium, St Lucia.

Super 8 qualification scenarios

England and Scotland

England’s fate hinges on their match against Namibia and the result of the Australia-Scotland game. If England wins and Scotland loses to Australia, England will join the Super 8. However, if Scotland stages an upset, they will take the spot.

Bangladesh and Netherlands

Bangladesh needs a win against Nepal to secure their place in the Super 8. Conversely, the Netherlands requires a victory over Sri Lanka and hopes for a Nepal upset over Bangladesh to qualify.

Venue insights for Super 8

The Super 8 matches will be held at some iconic cricketing venues, including Kensington Oval in Barbados, Sir Vivian Richards Stadium in Antigua, and Daren Sammy National Cricket Stadium in St Lucia.