T20 World Cup 2022: T20 WC semi-final race: As England defeated table-topper New Zealand in Super 12 Group 1 match on Tuesday, the race for the two semi-finals berth in the T20 World Cup 2022 became wide open. At least four teams — New Zealand, England, Australia and Sri Lanka — among the six allotted sides still have a chance to qualify for the semi-finals. Follow ICC T20 WC 2022 Live Updates with InsideSport.IN.
T20 World Cup 2022: New Zealand lead Group 1 race; Australia, England battle for second semi-final spot – Check DETAILS
So how can New Zealand qualify for the semi-finals? – The Kane Williamson-led side made a brilliant start to their T20 World Cup 2022 campaign as they thumped defending champions Australia by 89 runs. However, their second match against Afghanistan was abandoned, due to rain, before they defeated Sri Lanka in their third Super 12 Group 1 match. However, the Kiwis, faced a reality check against England as they lost by 20 runs to register their first loss to the marquee tournament.
Although, their perfect start of the tournament was derailed, a win over Ireland in the final group stage match will help them qualify for the semi-finals.
| GROUP 1 Points table | ||||||||
| POS | TEAM | PLAYED | WON | LOST | N/R | TIED | NET RR | POINTS |
| 1 | New Zealand | 4 | 2 | 1 | 0 | 1 | +2.233 | 5 |
| 2 | England | 4 | 2 | 1 | 0 | 1 | +0.547 | 3 |
| 3 | Australia | 4 | 2 | 1 | 0 | 1 | -0.304 | 5 |
| 4 | Sri Lanka | 4 | 2 | 2 | 0 | 0 | -0.457 | 4 |
| 5 | Ireland | 4 | 1 | 2 | 0 | 1 | -1.544 | 3 |
| 6 | Afghanistan | 4 | 0 | 2 | 0 | 2 | -0.718 | 2 |
T20 World Cup 2022: New Zealand lead Group 1 race; Australia, England battle for second semi-final spot – Check DETAILS
Which teams are favourites to qualify?
England
2010 Champions England bounced back strongly. The Jos Buttler-led side began their campaign with a five-wicket win over Afghanistan but they faced a major jolt in their second game with a 5 runs (DLS method) loss to Ireland. However, their fate continued to be decided by rain, as their third match vs Australia was abandoned. However, their quest to qualify for the semi-finals continued, as they defeated New Zealand by 20 runs.
The Englishmen will have to beat Sri Lanka in the last games to qualify for the semi-finals.
Australia
The defending champions might not have registered the best start to their T20 World Cup 2022 campaign but even then the odds favour them to qualify for the semi-finals as the second best team from Super 12 Group 1.
Australia began their campaign with a loss to New Zealand but they came back hard at Sri Lanka to clinch victory by seven wickets. However, their third match against England was abandoned due to rain. The hosts, then, clinched a comprehensive victory over Ireland.
But the Aussies will have to win their final match against Afghanistan by a big margin to qualify for the semi-finals. Their current NRR at -0.304, however, might come in their way of semi-finals qualification as New Zealand (+2.233) and England (+0.547) are at a better spot.
