Suryakumar Yadav and Shai Hope (Image credit: ICC)

NEW DELHI: The iconic Eden Gardens in Kolkata is all set to host a blockbuster clash on Sunday as India take on the West Indies in what has become a virtual quarterfinal of the T20 World Cup 2026. The stakes couldn’t be higher: win this match, and you’re through to the semifinals. Lose, and your campaign ends here.India earned their place in this do-or-die clash with a convincing 72-run win over Zimbabwe at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai. With South Africa having already secured a spot in the knockouts, all eyes now turn to Kolkata, where the winner between India and the West Indies will move on to face England in the semifinals.

India vs West Indies T20 World Cup 2026 Super 8s: NET RUN RATE COULD DECIDE FATE

While India’s victory over Zimbabwe keeps them alive, their net run rate (NRR) is currently a concern. India’s NRR stands at -0.100, whereas West Indies, boosted by a massive 101-run win over Zimbabwe earlier in the Super 8s, have a strong +1.791. This means that in the unlikely event of rain washing out the match, both teams would get one point each, leaving them tied on points at 3 each after three Super 8 matches. However, the West Indies would advance to the semifinals thanks to their superior net run rate, while India would be eliminated despite their earlier win.

India vs West Indies T20 World Cup 2026 Super 8s: WEATHER FORECAST IN KOLKATA

For now, the forecast is encouraging for cricket fans. Kolkata is expected to see sunny and clear conditions on Sunday. Daytime temperatures will hover around 34°C, cooling to 25–26°C by evening when the match is set to begin.The match is scheduled to start at 7 PM, with the toss taking place at 6:30 PM. Currently, there is no chance of rain, meaning fans can expect a full match at the iconic Eden Gardens.

India vs West Indies T20 World Cup 2026 Super 8s: WHAT IF IT RAINS?

Both India and West Indies have one win from two matches in the Super 8s, making this encounter effectively a knockout. But if rain intervenes:Both teams earn one point each.Points tally: 3 points for India and West Indies.West Indies advance to the semifinals due to a higher NRR of +1.791, while India’s -0.100 NRR would leave them eliminated.This makes Sunday’s clash must-win for India, as there is no margin for error, and even weather interruptions could prove costly.