Team India booked their place in the T20 World Cup 2026 semi-finals with a composed and memorable run chase against West Indies in their final Super 8 clash at Eden Gardens, Kolkata, on March 1. The five-wicket victory confirmed their knockout spot, where they will meet England at Wankhede Stadium, Mumbai, on March 5.

Captain Suryakumar Yadav made a courageous call to field first in what was a virtual knockout contest. West Indies recovered from a slow start and produced a strong finish, pushing their total close to the 200-run mark and setting up a stiff challenge.

Historically, India have not chased many big totals in T20 World Cup matches, having crossed the 150-run mark successfully only a few times before. However, the team displayed calmness, depth, and match awareness to script one of their finest chases in the tournament’s history.

With that remarkable effort, here’s a look at India’s top five highest successful run chases in T20 World Cup history.

Also read: PCB set to impose ₹50 lakh fine on Pakistan cricketers after T20 World Cup 2026 exit

India’s Top 5 Highest Successful Run Chases in T20 World Cup History

1) 196 vs West Indies – T20 World Cup 2026, Eden Gardens, Kolkata

India pulled off a massive chase of 196 in a virtual knockout against the Shai Hope-led West Indies side. The team was under heavy pressure, but Sanju Samson played a brilliant knock of 97 runs from 50 balls. His innings guided India to one of the highest successful chases in T20 World Cup history and sealed a place in the semi-final.

Wickets kept falling at the other end, which made the chase tense. However, Samson stayed calm and controlled the innings well. India reached the target with four balls to spare. This also became India’s ninth-highest successful run chase in T20Is.

2) 174 vs South Africa – T20 World Cup 2014 Semi-final, Dhaka

In the 2014 semi-final, India faced a strong South Africa side at the Sher-e-Bangla Stadium in Dhaka. The MS Dhoni-led team had a tough target in a knockout game. Virat Kohli once again rose to the occasion with a match-winning effort.

Rohit Sharma and Ajinkya Rahane gave India a quick start. After that, Kohli took charge and handled the middle overs smartly. Suresh Raina and Yuvraj Singh added useful runs. Kohli stayed unbeaten on 72 off 44 balls and finished the match with a boundary off Dale Steyn. India reached the target with five balls left.

3) 161 vs Australia – T20 World Cup 2016, Mohali

During the 2016 T20 World Cup at home, India needed a win against Australia to qualify for the semi-finals. Australia scored 160 in the virtual knockout match.

India were in trouble at 94-4 after 14 overs and were close to elimination. Then Virat Kohli played one of the finest T20I innings. He took smart risks and ran hard between the wickets. With support from MS Dhoni, he guided India to victory with five balls to spare and kept their campaign alive.

4) 160 vs Pakistan – T20 World Cup 2022, Melbourne

India began their 2022 campaign against Pakistan at the Melbourne Cricket Ground. Pakistan posted 159-8 on a difficult pitch.

India struggled early and were reduced to 31-4 against the pace attack of Naseem Shah, Haris Rauf, and Shaheen Afridi. Virat Kohli and Hardik Pandya rebuilt the innings with patience. Kohli later hit two stunning sixes off Haris Rauf, which changed the game.

The final over was full of drama against Mohammad Nawaz. With scores level on the last ball, R Ashwin stayed calm and hit the winning runs. It was one of India’s most famous wins in T20 World Cup history.

5) 139 vs Bangladesh – T20 World Cup 2014, Dhaka

India chased 139 against Bangladesh in the 2014 edition at Dhaka. The pitch was slow, but the dew helped the batting side later in the match.

Shikhar Dhawan fell early, but Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli scored half-centuries and added a 100-run partnership. Rohit got out in the 16th over, but Kohli stayed till the end. With a small cameo from MS Dhoni, India reached the target with nine balls remaining.

Social media influencer RJ Princy Parikh disclosed that she had to remove her popular video which showed South Africa player David Miller because she received numerous violent rape threats and harmful comments during the active ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2026.

Parikh shared her experience through multiple Instagram stories which she posted on February 24. The Instagram stories showed how internet users started to attack her after she posted cricket content which she made for fun. The reel which Parikh posted after South Africa's Super 8 match against India showed her slow-clapping while she walked around Miller as a fun way to celebrate South Africa's victory.

The public reaction to the situation started to develop into an unmanageable situation. "I removed my David Miller reel from Facebook because I could not handle the multiple graphic details of rape threats and the body shaming comments which came from viewers. At this moment I want to vanish from existence," she wrote.

Miller achieved a crucial victory in the match which took place at Narendra Modi Stadium because his performance enabled India to win their first match of the tournament. Some fans viewed Parikh's reel as innocent playful talk which exists in cricket culture but other people used it to stalk her online.

ALSO SEE: ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026: Tickets on sale for semi-finals and final - Know here how to book

Viral video removed following disturbing abuse from trolls

The abuse which Parikh experienced through her social media platforms and personal messages compelled her to delete her video because she needed to protect her mental health. She also made it clear that she plans to take legal action against those responsible.

🚨 SHAMEFUL ACT 🚨

Princy Parekh, a Gujarati content creator known for funny reels and vlogs, recently made a reel with David Miller.

After that, she received r@pe threats and abuse.

India’s youth is going in a wrong direction. Sad!💔 pic.twitter.com/FBoNTJBemq

— Jeet (@JeetN25) February 24, 2026

She stated I am going to file a police complaint on all these people. I will share their usernames and messages so others know what kind of criminals they are she added.

The incident has once again shown how online fan culture develops negative aspects which emerge during important sports events that create intense emotional experiences. Social media platforms enable fans and creators to express their creative celebrations of special moments but these platforms create extreme harassment risks for all users especially women.

Parikh's experience has created new demands for improved digital responsibility and secure internet environments because people must understand that sports competition should never lead to violent behavior.

The former Indian opening batter, Sunil Gavaskar, has suggested the home management should make one change of bringing back Axar Patel in place of Washington Sundar in the playing eleven for the second Super 8 clash of the T20 World Cup 2026 against Zimbabwe at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai. 

Sundar bowled only two overs in the first innings and couldn’t contribute with the bat in the middle order. It was addressed as a tactical change by captain Suryakumar Yadav to drop the home boy Axar, who was excellent with the bat against this same side in the T20 WC 2024 final.

See Also: Watch: ‘People felt bad…’- Mohammad Amir clarifies ‘slogger’ remark on Abhishek Sharma with advice in T20 World Cup 2026

“I would look at bringing Axar Patel back into the playing XI, keeping in mind the lack of too many left-handed batters in Zimbabwe’s line-up. You could possibly bring him in place of Arshdeep Singh. But Arshdeep bowled so well against South Africa and you wouldn’t want to change somebody who looked in such good rhythm. So, maybe they might not make a change and go with the same team.” Gavaskar expressed on Star Sports.

Sunil Gavaskar blames Tilak Varma’s approach in IND vs SA T20 WC 2026

Gavaskar felt that Tilak should have shown a measured approach with the bat rather than a fiery batting. Varma used his feet and ended up getting an edge to wicket-keeper batter, which was another big blow to the unit.

“But I feel Washington Sundar will be the one to miss out. He is not being used properly. Against South Africa, he bowled just two overs and did nothing with the bat. Against Netherlands, he bowled four overs but took no wickets. I think the time has run out for Washington Sundar. Axar Patel will surely replace him.” The former Indian opener added.

“Tilak Varma has been a very street-smart batter. But I was disappointed with his approach in this game. Ishan Kishan lost his wicket in the first over. The required rate was around 9.5 runs per over, not 15. So, Tilak could have given himself more time. At the other end, Abhishek Sharma had back-to-back ducks. So, the responsibility was on Tilak to stick around.” Gavaskar concluded.

India’s big defeat to South Africa in the T20 World Cup 2026 Super 8 match brought a strong reaction from former Pakistan pacer Mohammad Amir. Chasing 188 in Ahmedabad, India struggled badly with the bat. The team kept losing wickets against South Africa’s clever slower balls. Eventually, they were bowled out for just 111 in 18.5 overs.

This loss marked India’s first defeat in ICC tournaments across formats since the 2023 ODI World Cup final loss to Australia at the same venue. Before this game, Amir had predicted that India would not reach the top four. He had also called opener Abhishek Sharma a “slogger,” and the youngster has not had a good tournament so far. After the result, Amir’s comments once again became a talking point.

On a Pakistan TV show, the host jokingly called Amir an “astrologer” for predicting India’s struggles so accurately. The host said, “The things our Pakistani team is not able to do, our panellists are doing while sitting in a studio in Lahore. Mohammad Amir first called Abhishek Sharma a slogger, and since then, Abhishek has struggled for form in the tournament. He then said India won't reach the semi-finals, and it seems India is listening to what Amir has said. Let's welcome astrologer, cricketer, and left-arm pacer Mohammad Amir.” Hearing this, Amir laughed loudly.

Amir’s Funny Reply and India’s Qualification Hopes

Still smiling, Amir responded, “Kya bana diya hai mujhe? Allah maaf kare (What have you turned me into? May God forgive you).” His reaction quickly went viral on social media. Many fans found the moment entertaining after India’s disappointing performance.

Watch the video here

Muhammad Amir steals the show on "Haarna Mana Hai" after India's defeat 🫡
Absolutely well-deserved🤌👏😂#INDvsSA #T20WorldCup pic.twitter.com/GBOFx4vWre

— 𝐂𝐫𝐢𝐜𝐞𝐫𝐳 ⚡🏏 (@cricerz) February 22, 2026

See Also: 'Needn't have...'- Former India star questions India's team selection vs SA in T20 World Cup 2026 Super 8 clash

The defeat also hurt India’s net run rate, which dropped to -3.800. Now, India must win their remaining matches against Zimbabwe on February 26 in Chennai and West Indies on March 1 in Kolkata to keep their semi-final hopes alive. Meanwhile, South Africa will take on the West Indies on February 26 in their next Super 8 fixture.

The former pacer of the Pakistan side, Mohammad Amir, has clarified his comments about slogger against Abhishek Sharma, as he acknowledged that many didn’t appreciate the remark. Highlighting the 76-run defeat against South Africa in the T20 World Cup 2026 at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad.

Abhishek Sharma’s first ball boundary against the Proteas was his first run of the campaign. Amir also claimed that the deliveries that the southpaw hit were bad balls, and once he was up against the good over of Kagiso Rabada, the issue started.

See Also: 'Needn't have...'- Former India star questions India's team selection vs SA in T20 World Cup 2026 Super 8 clash

“I was talking about him from the point of view of a bowler. I was talking about his technique. People felt bad because I used the word slogger. By that, I meant his technique is such that a good team, a bunch of good bowlers, can trap him. Look at the 14 runs he scored; he scored all of them on one side. The balls he hit were bad. But when Rabada started bowling well, he was not able to figure it out.” Amir expressed in a show.

Mohammad Amir gives vital advice to Abhishek Sharma amid his poor form in T20 WC 2026

Abhishek missed out on a game in the World Cup due to a stomach infection, but has continued to struggle to find the full flow with the bat. Their assistant coach, Ryan Ten Doeschate, has reflected the same ahead of the Zimbabwe clash.

Watch the video here: 

🚨 MOHAMMAD AMIR ADVICE TO ABHISHEK SHARMA 🚨

"As a senior player, my advice to Abhishek Sharma is very simple, Int'l cricket always exposes your technique. You need patience and you need to play according to the ball"

What's your take 🤔 #INDvsSA pic.twitter.com/l2HvCkzVdX

— Richard Kettleborough (@RichKettle07) February 23, 2026

“Abhishek is a good player. Even after bagging three ducks, he has the same intent. He did not go on the back foot. He is positive. As a senior player, if my message goes to him, I will tell him: Your technique gets exposed in international cricket. If you can show some patience and play the ball on its merit, then it will be better.” Amir added.

“I think Abhi's preparation coming into the World Cup with the food poisoning that he had at one stage has obviously hampered his progress in terms of where we want him to be at this phase. You want him to be up and running and sort of confident in his swing and confident in his game plan, and when you score three zeros, that is going to start weighing on you.” Ryan Ten Doeschate revealed in the press conference.

The former opening batter of the Indian side, Aakash Chopra, has questioned the team selection of the defending champions for their opening clash of the Super 8 stage in the T20 World Cup 2026 against South Africa at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad. The management decided to keep Axar Patel out of the place of Washington Sundar. 

Axar Patel was the vice-captain of the Blue Brigade, and dropping the veteran was a shocking decision. Meanwhile, Sundar bowled only two overs in the innings for no wickets and gave away 17 runs besides failing to contribute with the bat in the middle order when required. Chopra questions the entire process.

See Also: Indian umpire Anil Chaudhury to feature in new film? Blockbuster poster drops bombshell during T20 World Cup 2026

“Where were we left behind? The first thing that comes to my mind is, what team are we playing? You have appointed Axar Patel the vice-captain. If he is your team's vice-captain, why isn't he a part of the team? You needn't have made him the vice-captain.” Chopra expressed in a video on his YouTube channel.

Akash Chopra questions India’s decision to drop Axar Patel vs SA in T20 WC 2026

Chopra also reckoned that two of the three left-handed batters of the SA side got dismissed in the first four overs, while the Proteas opted to go for the left-arm spinner, Keshav Maharaj, despite having six southpaws in the Indian line-up.

“You made him sit out in the last match. Never mind, as Washi hadn't played for such a long time, and you played him since you were playing against the Netherlands, but you made him sit out against South Africa. You said it's becoming a negative match-up as there are three left-handers in the opposition.” Chopra addressed this in the same video.

“Sir, two of the three left-handers bat in the top three, and both were out in two overs. We have six left-handers among our eight batters, and South Africa said they would play Keshav Maharaj because he is their main bowler. They said they won't make Keshav sit out because he is important. For you, your vice-captain is not important. How is that okay?” The former opener elaborated.

India’s premier lower-order batter, Hardik Pandya, under pressure of the required run rate, tried to smash Keshav Maharaj for a massive six just after the drinks break. However, he didn’t get the elevation on the big shots and got dismissed, putting the curtain down to their hopes of winning the contest against South Africa in the Super 8 clash of the T20 World Cup 2026 in Ahmedabad.

By the time Hardik Pandya was going back to the pavilion, a shocking picture was seen as it went viral on social media platforms. In that clip, Hardik’s girlfriend, Mahieka Sharma, was seen clapping. It was a shocking reaction from the individual as India went on to experience a 76-run defeat after getting bundled out for 111 in the chase of 187 runs.

See Also: Watch: Suryakumar Yadav engaged in serious conversation with coach Gautam Gambhir post defeat vs SA in T20 World Cup 2026

India had hopes when Pandya and Shivam Dube were at the crease, but once the former was dismissed, only one result was going to happen from there on. Maharaj, after the wicket of the all-rounder, got the wicket of Rinku Singh on the third ball of the 15th over and ended the game in that spot.

Mahieka Sharma claps post Hardik Pandya’s wickets in IND vs SA T20 WC 2026

South Africa didn’t make a good start with the bat, losing their top three batters, Aiden Markram, Quinton de Kock, and Ryan Rickelton, in three overs with only 20 runs on the board before David Miller and Dewald Brevis rescued them with the 97-run partnership for the fourth wicket.

Watch the video here: 

pic.twitter.com/uUa2cksb8S

— Break_The_Bad (@NoContexhuman) February 22, 2026

Miller nailed 63 runs in 35 balls with the help of seven boundaries and three sixes at a strike rate of 180, while both Brevis and Tristan Stubbs contributed two vital and aggressive knocks of over 40 runs at a strike rate of over 150.

India got bundled out for 111 in reply as only Shivam Dube crossed the 25-run mark in the line-up. Most of their batters got the starts but couldn’t stretch it to a big score, and that was the main reason behind their struggle.

Brief Scores: SA 187/7 (David Miller 63, Dewald Brevis 45, Jasprit Bumrah 3/15) beat IND 111 (Shivam Dube 42, Marco Jansen 4/22) by 76 runs.

South Africa beat India by 76 runs in the Super 8 match of the ICC Men's T20 World Cup at the Narendra Modi Stadium. South Africa played very well and defended 187 runs successfully. India were bowled out for 111 runs in the 19th over. India lost early wickets and could not chase the target.

The top order of India failed in the chase. Ishan Kishan, Tilak Varma, and Abhishek Sharma got out quickly. Abhishek Sharma scored only 15 runs in this match and had poor scores in the previous three innings. Tilak Varma also did not perform well, scoring 107 runs in five innings.

With Sanju Samson in the squad, India have a right-handed batting option. He may open with Ishan Kishan or play at number three if needed. But Samson’s recent form has not been good. He scored only 290 runs in 17 innings since 2025 with an average of 17.05.

During the post-match press conference, assistant coach Ryan ten Doeschate said that Sanju Samson will be a talking point in the next few days. This suggests that team management may discuss his possible role in the batting order.

Also Read -Biggest defeat for India in T20 World Cups (by runs) ft. IND vs SA Super 8 T20 World Cup 2026

Early Wicket Problem and Opening Plan

Assistant coach Ryan ten Doeschate said early wickets are a problem for the team. He said, “Yeah, of course, we have, and look at the five outings we have had now, four teams have opened with part-time off spin, and it has got a wicket every time, apart from the USA game where we lost Abhi without score in any case (to pacer Ali Khan).”

He added, “So to start every inning zero for one, I think it has literally been zero or a couple of runs for one every time is obviously putting pressure on the link players. Tilak Varma and Suryakumar Yadav have the role to link with the back-end batters, and it has not gone that way.”

INDIAN ASSISTANT COACH ON PRESS CONFERENCE:

"Sanju Samson will be a talking point in next few days". [Sahil Malhotra] pic.twitter.com/bwJWaCsbop

— Johns. (@CricCrazyJohns) February 22, 2026

Sanju Samson Selection Discussion

The coach talked about team selection and experience. He said, “You stick with the guys who we feel have performed really well over the last 18 months and who are maybe shy of a few runs now? Or do we twist and bring Sanju Samson, who is a good player and helps tactically by having a right-handed batter at the top?”

He added that this topic will be discussed before the important matches against Zimbabwe and West Indies in the Super Eight stage of the ICC Men's T20 World Cup.

Why Washington Sundar Was Picked Over Axar Patel

The coach also explained why Washington Sundar played instead of vice-captain Axar Patel. He said the team studied the opposition batting lineup. Players like Quinton de Kock, David Miller, and Ryan Rickelton were seen as big threats. So, the team chose Sundar for the middle overs.

He said, “We spent a lot of time thinking about the playing XI. We were looking at matchups in the middle. We felt we needed Rinku Singh in the team. This decision does not reduce Axar’s quality or leadership.”

The coach also said, “We know what Washi can do. The choice was between Washi and Axar because of the balance of the team and the number of left-handed batters in the opposition.”

He added, “If Axar played today, he would have batted in the same position as Washi. Our goal was to pick the best XI based on analysis. The biggest threats were de Kock, Miller, and Rickleton, so Sundar was selected for the middle overs.”

However, South Africa beat India by 76 runs in Match 43 of the ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2026. Chasing 188 runs, India were all out for 111 runs in 18.5 overs.

India will play against Zimbabwe next on Thursday, February 26, and then face the West Indies on March 1 at the Eden Gardens.

After India suffered a big 76-run defeat against South Africa in Group 1 of the Super Eights of the ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2026, there are some questions about India's biggest defeat by runs in the history of the ICC Men's T20 World Cup. 

Biggest defeat for India in T20 World Cups (by runs)

Watch: How fans react to India's humiliating defeat against South Africa in T20 World Cup 2026 Super 8 clash

South Africa won by 76 runs (Ahmedabad 2026)

In the ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2026 Super Eights (Group 1), hosts and defending champions India faced South Africa at Ahmedabad, where the Men in Blues suffered a 76-run defeat, their largest losing margin by runs in ICC Men's T20 World Cup history. 

After South Africa chose to bat first, they were once struggling at 20/3. However, Dewald Brevis (45 off 29 balls), David Miller (63 off 35 balls), and Tristan Stubbs (44 not out off 24 balls) guided South Africa to the score of 187/7 in 20 overs. 

In reply, only Shivam Dube managed to score 20+ runs (43 off 37 balls), as India were bundled out for only 111 runs. David Miller won the Player of the Match for his incredible match-winning knock.  

Australia won by 49 runs (Bridgetown 2010)

In the Super 8 stage of the ICC World T20 2010, Australia beat India by 49 runs in the Group F battle. After Australia scored 184/5 in 20 overs at Bridgetown, India were bowled out for only 135 runs in 17.4 overs. 

Aussie openers Shane Watson and David Warner had a century partnership (104 runs), as Watson scored 54 off 32 balls, and the Player of the Match Warner scored 72 off 42 balls. Also, David Hussey had a cameo of 35 runs in 22 balls. 

In reply, while the middle-order batter Rohit Sharma scored 79 not out off 46 balls, Harbhajan Singh was the only other double-digit scorer with only 13 runs. Aussie pacers Dirk Nannes (3/25) and Shaun Tait (3/21) took three wickets each. 

New Zealand won by 47 runs (Nagpur 2016)

In the Super 10 stage contest of the ICC World T20 2016, hosts India faced New Zealand in Group 2 at Nagpur. In the spin-friendly wicket, while New Zealand scored 126/7 in 20 overs, India were bundled out for only 79 runs in 18.1 overs, as New Zealand won by 47 runs.  

While Corey Anderson (34) and Luke Ronchi (21) scored the 20+ runs in New Zealand's innings on the tough batting pitch, Mitchell Santner (4/11), Ish Sodhi (3/18), and Nathan McCullum (2/15) performed dominantly with the ball. Santner, who also added crucial 18 runs, won the Player of the Match award. 

Heading into the opening Super 8 clash between India and South Africa of their group from the T20 World Cup 2026 at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad, the pressure was on both sides. But the Proteas applied their plants better than the home side and put up a clinical performance to bundle out the Blue Brigade to complete a victory by 76 runs. 

India is still alive in the tournament, but they are breathing so heavily that they could actually get disqualified before that semifinal qualification, despite being touted to be one of the favorites to claim that trophy. Due to the massive margin of the result, India is at the bottom of the points table with a damaged net run rate of -3.80.

See Also: Watch: Varun Chakravarthy dismisses David Miller for 63 in IND vs SA T20 World Cup 2026 Super 8 clash

India’s next clash in the Super 8 stage of the tournament will be against Zimbabwe at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai. Their third and last Super 8 clash of the tournament will be against the West Indies at the Eden Gardens in Kolkata on March 1.

Can India qualify for T20 World Cup 2026 semifinals? 

Now the question remains whether India could still qualify for the semifinal of the tournament despite facing this massive defeat. The simplest way for them to reach that position will be to win two games and hope South Africa beats West Indies and Zimbabwe, and finish at the top. In that way, India will finish with four points while South Africa will have six points.

That will rule out the importance of the game between the West Indies and Zimbabwe on February 23 at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai. However, if South Africa loses one of their games against Zimbabwe and the West Indies, then the entire equation will come down to the net run rate of the Indian side.

India has a very damaged net rate at the moment. However, they have the chance to develop them against Zimbabwe and the West Indies, and the best thing for them is that their last game will be the best time for them to know all the equations for the qualifications.