NEW DELHI: It would be wrong to say that the “real” T20 World Cup begins on Saturday, when Pakistan face New Zealand in the first Super 8 match at the Premadasa Stadium in Colombo. There were tight, interesting contests in the group stage too, which was a 40-match affair in this 20-team tournament.The biggest newsmakers from the group stage were undoubtedly Zimbabwe, who topped Group B comprising two former champions: co-hosts Sri Lanka and Australia. The African side defeated both and knocked Australia out of the tournament in the group stage.

Whereas Afghanistan missed out on the Super 8s from arguably the toughest group in the tournament. Group D featured last edition’s finalists South Africa, who topped it with four wins from four matches, and New Zealand. The Rashid Khan-led side will rue the double Super Over defeat against the Proteas — arguably the most exciting match of the group stage — as they had chances during both the regular phase and the Super Over.Despite having three associate nations, Group C matches were memorable and historical. West Indies and England progressed to the Super 8s as expected, but the group saw debutants Italy win their first match against Nepal. Nepal also ended their long winless run in the tournament with a win over Scotland. Scotland, who were late entrants after Bangladesh decided to withdraw, also returned home with a win.But arguably the easiest group was Group A, especially for defending champions and co-hosts India. India were not dominant throughout the group stage, but it was pretty comfortable, and their unbeaten run despite not being at their best, and the highest net run rate (+2.500) across groups, showed there was little to no contest for them at this stage.

There was hype and “dramatised” suspense over the traditionally most-watched rivalry between India and Pakistan. But it was a no contest from the beginning, and India, who went to Colombo to play the game, had no difficulty overcoming their arch-rivals by 61 runs. Having three associate teams apart from Pakistan meant it was almost a ‘catwalk’ for India to the Super 8s. There were a few jitters against the USA and the Netherlands, but they never looked out of control.So, in the real sense, the Super 8s are going to be the real deal for India in their title defence.The seedings for the Super 8s were already pre-decided and apart from Zimbabwe’s dream underdog run, there were no surprises. But by the time the group stage concluded, with Australia winning their final game against Oman and flying back Down Under, there were question marks over the pre-seedings.This was because Group 1, of which India is part, has all teams entering the next round unbeaten and as group toppers. India, South Africa, West Indies and Zimbabwe all topped their respective groups and remained unbeaten. So all the in-form teams are in Group 1 and only two will make the semi-finals. Whereas Group 2 comprises teams who finished second — New Zealand, England, Sri Lanka and Pakistan.So, as per form and confidence, India now have the toughest possible opponents in the Super 8s. All of them are coming into the next round with much tougher contests than India, who are yet to strike their peak — and that’s a big worry for the champions.There is now a 50-50 chance of India peaking at the right time, or struggling to match their battle-hardened opponents.India’s biggest worriesIndia have a few glaring issues ahead of the Super 8 stage, and the biggest of them is the form of opener and current No.1 T20I batter Abhishek Sharma, who has scored a hat-trick of ducks. The 25-year-old is yet to open his account in his first ICC event.

The team management remains confident, saying Abhishek is hitting well in the nets and is just one good knock away from regaining form and confidence. The team and the billion-plus Indian fans will hope that Abhishek, who has traumatised bowlers over the last two years, will come good in the business end. Some have even compared his struggles with Virat Kohli in the last edition, hoping that like Kohli, who won Player of the Match in the final, Abhishek will click when needed most. Looking at his career so far, there is reason to hope.Fielding, especially catching, remains the next big concern. India are among the worst catching sides in the tournament so far, and against in-form teams in this group, dropped chances can be very costly.What’s in store for India in the Super 8sSouth AfricaIndia start their Super 8 campaign against the Proteas on Sunday (Feb 22) in Ahmedabad — a rematch of the 2024 final. It will be India’s biggest hurdle in their title defence.South Africa are based in Ahmedabad and played three group matches at the venue, making them far more familiar with conditions than India, who played only their last group match there.The venue has produced high-scoring games, and the Proteas have shown versatility — defending 200-plus, winning a double Super Over thriller, and producing a commanding chase against New Zealand. India did secure a high-scoring win against the Netherlands there, but only by 17 runs, not as commanding as South Africa’s victories.

India will need batting, bowling and fielding to click together immediately, as the road ahead will only get tougher.ZimbabweOn paper, Zimbabwe are the weakest opponent. But their momentum and giant-killing spree — beating Australia and Sri Lanka — make them extremely dangerous.It would be foolish to consider Zimbabwe an easy two points. Their three group wins were comfortable, not scrappy. They beat Australia by 23 runs after defending a competitive total, and chased 179 against Sri Lanka with ease.India should be cautious. However, Zimbabwe now travel to Chennai after playing in Sri Lanka. Even if conditions are somewhat similar, it remains a new pitch for them. India too will play their first match there, but being hosts, they should have a better understanding.Zimbabwe’s first Super 8 result and India’s clash against South Africa could decide the momentum heading into their meeting.

West IndiesIndia face West Indies on March 1 in their final Super 8 match. By then, qualification scenarios will be clearer, and the match could become do-or-die.West Indies have been in terrific form. They have already played matches in Mumbai and Kolkata, and the Eden Gardens surface will be familiar territory. India, meanwhile, will be playing there for the first time.This venue hopping gives opponents a slight advantage, even if these remain India’s home conditions.West Indies are always dangerous in this format and have a history of trophy success in India, including lifting the title at Eden Gardens itself.It will not be easy.The real test begins nowIndia cruised through the group stage without hitting top gear. But the Super 8s present a completely different challenge — battle-hardened opponents, high-pressure matches and no easy wins.This phase will define India’s title defence.It is going to be a rough ride. But if India manage to sneak past this group, they will not only remain on course for another trophy, but also prove their championship pedigree once again.