Afghanistan’s T20 World Cup 2026 campaign is turning into a nightmare. The same team that proudly reached the semi-finals in the 2024 edition is now standing on the edge of a shocking group-stage exit. Under Rashid Khan’s captaincy, things are not simply going their way in the ongoing T20 World Cup 2026.
Double Super Over heartbreak for Afghanistan in Ahmedabad
Their latest heartbreak came in Ahmedabad against South Africa in their must-win Group D clash on February 11. Afghanistan was chasing 24 runs in the second Super Over but failed to get over the line. It was a crushing defeat, especially after such a fierce fight shown by the Afghan stars.
Before this heartbreak, Rashid Khan’s team had already lost their opening Group D game against New Zealand in Chennai on February 8 by five wickets. Two matches, two defeats, and now they are under immense pressure and have almost ended their Super 8 hopes.
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Super 8 Qualification hopes hang by a thin thread
Even though Afghanistan is currently placed third in the Group D points table, their qualification hopes are hanging by a very thin thread. Their road to the Super 8 of the ongoing T20 World Cup 2026 is still open, but it is full of conditions and calculations.
In the first scenario, Afghanistan must win both of their remaining group matches against the United Arab Emirates (UAE) on February 16 and Canada on February 19. Just winning may not be enough. They need to win by big margins so that their net run rate jumps strongly.
The Net Run Rate could become the deciding factor later. Afghanistan also needs help from other teams. Either New Zealand or South Africa must lose both of their remaining Group D matches. If that happens, Afghanistan can finish with four points from four games.
In that situation, one of those top teams should also end up with four points. Then, the second spot in the Super 8 will be decided by net run rate. That is the only realistic window left for Afghanistan.
Rain could end the T20 World Cup 2026 campaign early
There is also a major risk that could end their campaign even before their last two matches. On February 14, New Zealand and South Africa are scheduled to face each other in Ahmedabad.
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If rain washes out that Group D match, both teams will receive one point each. That would take them to five points each. In that case, Afghanistan will be officially knocked out of the tournament.
Rashid Khan backs Afghanistan to bounce back stronger
Meanwhile, Rashid Khan said that it is very hard to lift the team after such a painful loss. But the captain added that Afghanistan will come back stronger, with a clear and smart mindset.
Rashid said at the post-match presentation, “It’s pretty hard. You have worked really hard for the last one and a half years just for this game to win it and to go for the next round. It’s quite disappointing. It’s pretty hard to keep them up. But still, you have to come up. Any time you’re representing your country is a huge proud moment.
And you have to play for your pride. People back home, they are expecting us to win lots of games. We did not have the ideal start we wanted in the World Cup. It’s quite disappointing. But I will try my best to keep them as up as possible. Next game we come with a strong mind and with a clever mind as well.”
