Halfway through the T20 World Cup 2024, the race for the Super Eight is heating up. Upsets and bad weather have thrown the group stage wide open, leaving several big teams in precarious positions.
Here’s a look at how things stand for the four qualifiers from each group in T20 WC:
Group A: Pakistan in must-win situation
India and USA, the co-hosts, are comfortably placed in Group A. A win each will guarantee their qualification for the Super Eight. Pakistan, however, find themselves on the edge after back-to-back defeats.
Their only hope is to win both their remaining matches against Ireland and Canada, and hope the winner of the India vs USA match loses their final game. Even then, Pakistan will need a good Net Run Rate (NRR) to progress if they end up tied on points with other teams.
Remaining fixtures in Group A
Pakistan vs Canada
USA vs India
USA vs Ireland
India vs Canada
Pakistan vs Ireland
Group B: England title defence at risk
England, the defending champions, are in a spot of bother in Group B. Another loss, even due to a washout, will knock them out of contention if Australia win at least one of their remaining matches. Scotland, surprisingly, top the group right now.
England’s best chance is to win their remaining games against Namibia and Oman and hope Scotland lose to Australia by a big margin. NRR will play a crucial role here, as England are currently behind Scotland in that aspect.
Remaining fixtures in Group B
Australia vs Namibia
England vs Oman
Namibia vs England
Australia vs Scotland
Group C: New Zealand need miracle
Group C, dubbed the “group of death”, has lived up to its billing. New Zealand, despite playing just one game, are in a precarious position due to a big defeat.
Their best hope is to win all their remaining matches and rely on favourable results elsewhere. If they manage that, they will still need a good NRR to pip Afghanistan or West Indies, who are both well-placed in the group.
Remaining fixtures in Group C
West Indies vs New Zealand
Afghanistan vs PNG
New Zealand vs Uganda
New Zealand vs PNG
West Indies vs Afghanistan
More on T20 WC:
Group D: Sri Lanka in dire straits
Group D is wide open, with all five teams still in the hunt. South Africa are favourites to qualify with a win over Bangladesh. Sri Lanka, however, are staring at an early exit.
They need to win both their remaining matches and hope for other results to go their way, including South Africa winning all their games. Even then, NRR might become the deciding factor for Sri Lanka.
Remaining fixtures in Group D
South Africa vs Bangladesh
Sri Lanka vs Nepal
Bangladesh vs Netherlands
South Africa vs Nepal
Bangladesh vs Nepal
Sri Lanka vs Netherlands
With the group stage reaching its halfway mark, the battle for the Super Eight promises to be a thrilling one. Several big names are on shaky ground, making for an unpredictable and exciting finish to the group stage.
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