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Highlights
The ICC World Twenty20 is nearly two weeks old. In that period, there have been some surprises, some dominant individual performances, some records and some electrifying matches. At the end of all this, West Indies and New Zealand have emerged as the leaders in Group 1 and Group 2, respectively. World No. 1 India only have a mathematical chance to qualify in New Zealand’s group. (Points Table | Videos | Galleries)
With New Zealand and the 2012 champions the West Indies in pole position to qualify for the semi-finals, here are the qualifying scenarios for all the teams in the ICC World Twenty20.
Group 2 Qualifying Scenarios
New Zealand (P – 2, W – 2, Points – 4)
Matches to be played: Pakistan (March 22), Bangladesh (March 26)
New Zealand have been the surprise picks of the ICC World Twenty20. They defeated India for the fifth time and then pulled off a close eight-run win against Australia. Victory against either Pakistan or Bangladesh will seal their spot in the semi-final. However, a loss against both teams could see them getting knocked out.
India (P -2, W – 1, Points – 2)
Matches to be played: Bangladesh (March 23), Australia (March 27)
India’s 47-run loss to New Zealand in Nagpur was a big setback for it also affected their net run-rate. This could prove to be a big blow if two or more teams end up on same points. MS Dhoni’s Indians have kept their campaign alive with a win against Pakistan in Kolkata. However, a slip-up against either Bangladesh or Australia could see them getting knocked out in the first round. A win against both teams might be enough to seal their spot in the semi-finals.
Australia (P – 2, W – 1, Points – 2)
Matches to be played: Pakistan (March 25), India (March 27)
Australia’s loss to New Zealand in Dharamsala has put them on the backfoot. A tense three-wicket win against Bangladesh has kept them in the hunt. Their games against Pakistan and India are a must-win. They must beat these two teams and ensure Bangladesh beat India in Bangalore to make their progress smoother
Pakistan (P – 2, W – 1, Points – 2)
Matches to be played: New Zealand (March 22), Australia (March 25)
Pakistan started their campaign on a high with a 55-run thrashing of Bangladesh in Kolkata. However, their jinx against India continued as they succumbed to their fifth loss against their arch-rivals in ICC World Twenty20 history. A loss against New Zealand on March 22 will make their progress harder and they will have to defeat Australia in their final league game and ensure Australia beat India by a small margin.
Bangladesh (P – 2, W – 0, Points – 0)
Matches to be played: India (March 23), New Zealand (March 26)
With two losses, Bangladesh are almost out of the competition. They can only hope to spoil the party of the big boys in their remaining matches. Bangladesh can make India’s progress hard if they beat them in Bangalore. If they win against New Zealand in their last league game, then the Kiwis will have some anxious moments and will have to rely on other teams to slip up.
Group 1 Qualifying Scenarios
West Indies (P – 2, W – 2, Points – 4)
Matches to be played: South Africa (March 25), Afghanistan (March 27)
The 2012 champions put in a power-packed performance against England, thanks to Chris Gayle’s blazing century. They got over the line against Sri Lanka and they need a win either against South Africa or Afghanistan to seal their spot in the semi-finals. A loss against South Africa and Afghanistan might make things difficult for them.
South Africa (P – 2, W – 1, Points – 2)
Matches to be played: West Indies (March 25), Sri Lanka (March 28)
South Africa’s fortunes have fluctuated in this ICC World Twenty20. They could not defend 229 and they managed to hold off a spirited challenge from Afghanistan. Their next game against the 2012 champions could be make or break for the Proteas. If they lose to the West Indies, they will have to hope that England lose to both Afghanistan and Sri Lanka. A win against both Sri Lanka and West Indies puts them in a good space for the semi-finals.
Sri Lanka (P – 2, W – 1, Points -2)
Matches to be played: England (March 26), South Africa (March 28)
With the absence of star players, Sri Lanka face an uphill task. Their loss to the West Indies has put the 2014 champions in a vulnerable position. A loss against either England or South Africa could see them one step closer to elimination. A win against either South Africa or England is essential for their chances.
England (P – 2, W – 1, Points – 2)
Matches to be played: Afghanistan (March 23), Sri Lanka (March 26)
England got their campaign back on track with a stunning victory over South Africa after they were beaten by West Indies. They must win against Sri Lanka and Afghanistan and hope that South Africa lose to West Indies to make their way easier.
Afghanistan (P – 2, W – 0, Points – 0)
Matches to be played: England (March 23), West Indies (March 27)
Afghanistan are staring at elimination despite some spirited performances against Sri Lanka and South Africa. Afghanistan can dent England’s chances if they win against them. An England loss will make it easier for South Africa and Sri Lanka.
Source: NDTV