We are approaching toss time! This looks like a bat first pitch with less chances of dew. A West Indies victory could complicate matters for hosts India. It would put the Caribbean side on the brink of a semifinal spot and leave South Africa all to play for in their final Super 8 fixture against Zimbabwe.

West Indies (probable XI): Brandon King, Shai Hope (capt & wk), Shimron Hetmyer, Rovman Powell, Sherfane Rutherford, Romario Shepherd, Jason Holder, Matthew Forde, Akeal Hosein, Gudakesh Motie, Shamar Joseph.

South Africa (probable): Aiden Markram (capt), Quinton de Kock (wk), Ryan Rickelton, Dewald Brevis, David Miller, Tristan Stubbs, Marco Jansen, Corbin Bosch, Keshav Maharaj, Kagiso Rabada, Lungi Ngidi.

At the Narendra Modi Stadium, South Africa look well-settled in Ahmedabad conditions. The Proteas have adapted superbly to a surface that offers early bounce and some grip for spinners under lights. The venue has been a fortress for them this tournament - they defeated Canada, Afghanistan, and New Zealand in the group stage before thumping hosts India in their Super 8 clash last week.

While West Indies have won 15 and lost 14 of their 29 T20Is against South Africa, the Proteas hold a slight advantage on the T20 World Cup stage, having won four of the five meetings between the two sides.

The sky looks clear in Ahmedabad but it promises to be another hot day in the city. Pitch 7 has been allocated for this contest, which means red soil, with the prospect of some bounce. Regardless, we could be in for a high-scoring contest.

Best-case Scenario

If South Africa beat West Indies on Thursday and India then defeat Zimbabwe, the Suryakumar Yadav-led side will have its fate in its own hands going into their final Super 8 clash. In that scenario, the winner of the India vs West Indies match will advance to the semifinals, irrespective of Net Run Rate.

Scenario 2

If West Indies beat South Africa on Wednesday and India beat Zimbabwe, the defending champions will have to beat West Indies by a heavy margin in the third match to improve their Net Run Rate. Then, they have to hope that Zimbabwe either beat South Africa (so that the Proteas' points remain at 2) or lose to the Proteas by a very narrow margin (so that South Africa don't surpass India's NRR).

Scenario 3

If India lose to Zimbabwe, they are almost certainly out - but a narrow path to qualification would still remain. In that scenario, India would need South Africa to beat both West Indies and Zimbabwe. India would then have to defeat West Indies by a huge margin to overturn the Net Run Rate deficit. That would leave South Africa on 6 points, while India, West Indies and Zimbabwe would all finish on 2 points each. The team with the superior Net Run Rate among the three would then advance.

If South Africa beat West Indies on Thursday and then India beat Zimbabwe, the Proteas will be through to the semi-finals. If West Indies beat South Africa and Zimbabwe beat India, the Caribbean side will advance. A defeat in Chennai later today will end India's campaign, regardless of the result in Ahmedabad. Even if South Africa lose to West Indies, they will stay alive in the race as their final Super 8 match is against Zimbabwe.

A win for either side could significantly boost their chances of qualifying for the semi-finals. West Indies currently sit on top of the group due to a superior net run rate, while South Africa are also unbeaten in the tournament so far. The Indian team will be hoping for a favour from South Africa, as a West Indies victory could complicate matters for the co-hosts.

Hello and welcome to our live blog of the crucial T20 World Cup 2026 Super 8 clash between West Indies and South Africa from Ahmedabad. Both teams won their respective Super 8 openers, with South Africa registering a commanding 76-run win over home-favourites India in Ahmedabad, while the West Indies hammered Zimbabwe by 107 runs in Mumbai.