SL's win opens up interesting scenarios in Group B
After defeating India in a must win game, Sri Lanka have kept themselves alive in the 2017 Champions Trophy. Apart from them, Pakistan also are very much in contention for a semi-final place after registering a victory against South Africa. With all the four teams looking to go to next round, let us have a look at who-needs-what to qualify for the semis.
How do the teams stand?
All the four teams have won one game and lost one. However, considering the run-rate, India are on the first spot, followed by South Africa, Sri Lanka and Pakistan. In the next matches, India will face SA, while Sri Lanka will be up against Pakistan.
A simple, yet tough road to semis
Being on the top of Group B, India hold an edge over all the teams. For India to qualify for the semis, they just need to defeat South Africa. The result of SL-Pakistan match won't affect India then. However, if India's match is washed out, they will still qualify for the semi-finals, thanks to a superior run-rate of 1.272.
The shaky world number one
Placed on the second spot, South Africa will have to register a victory against India to confirm their place in the semi-finals. However, if they lose, they would hope that SL defeat Pakistan by a small margin. If Pakistan win, SA are out of the tournament. In other scenario, if SA-India game is washed out, it all comes down to the net run rate.
The comeback team
After defeating India, SL have opened the semis gate for themselves. They will now have to defeat Pakistan in order to go to next round. Apart from that, if their match against Pakistan gets washed out, they will have to hope that the match between India and South Africa produces a result. If both matches are washed out, SL bow out automatically.
On a high after defeating SA
Pakistan have bought themselves a huge lifeline after defeating SA. In order to qualify for the semis, Pakistan have to defeat Sri Lanka. If their game is washed out, or Pakistan loses against SL, they will be eliminated of the tournament given their poor net run rate.
A must win game for all
Just like the two remaining games of Group A, the last two games of Group B are must win games for all the four teams, given that the winner will qualify for the next round. This has made the Champions Trophy more interesting.
