2019 World Cup: Decoding the qualification scenarios
Six teams are in contention for the remaining three semi-final spots in the ongoing ICC World Cup 2019. Australia have qualified for the semis already, whereas, South Africa, West Indies and Afghanistan have been knocked out of the tourney. This leaves the others vying out for the knock-outs. Here we decode the qualification scenarios for all the six teams.
India a win away from qualifying
The Indian cricket team is still unbeaten so far and has three league matches left. The Virat Kohli-led side needs one more victory to guarantee a semi-final spot. India will be up against England, Bangladesh and Sri Lanka next. All these sides will be desperate to keep their own chances alive. India have 11 points with a NRR of +1.160.
New Zealand need a victory to guarantee berth
New Zealand also have 11 points in the bag. Their next two games are against Australia and England. A win is sufficient for Kiwis to book a semis berth. However, if they lose their remaining games, then they will require England and Lanka to falter at least in one match. NRR will determine progression, if either Bangladesh or Pakistan end up with 11 points.
How can England qualify for semis?
England are fourth at the moment with eight points in the bag after seven games. They have a NRR of +1.051. In order to guarantee progression, England need to win their two matches. They face India and Kiwis. If England win one and lose the other, they can still make the cut with 10 points. They would need Bangladesh, Lanka and Pakistan to falter.
Can Pakistan make it through?
For Pakistan cricket team, the math is simple. Sarfaraz Ahmed's side needs to win the remaining two games and end on 11 points. Getting to the tally will see Bangladesh getting knocked out. They need England and Lanka to lose one game each.
What about Bangladesh and Sri Lanka?
Bangladesh have seven points and will be up against India and Pakistan next. One loss will see them get knocked out. If they win both, then like Pakistan, they need England and Lanka to falter. Three wins for Lanka will see them through. They have six points and even two wins could help them qualify. Lanka need England, Pakistan and Bangladesh to falter.
These three could join Australia: Our take
We feel that India and New Zealand will join Australia in the semi-finals stage. The last place will be determined between England and Pakistan. Given the matches left for both teams, Pakistan might just make the cut.
