Things are getting interesting in the ICC Cricket World Cup 2019. In fact, the tournament, which appeared as dull few weeks ago, might just end up being one of the entertaining editions. Thus far, only defending champions Australia have sealed the semi-finals spot. And three teams- Afghanistan, South Africa and West Indies- are out of semis contentions. So, for the remaining three places, India, Pakistan, New Zealand, hosts England, Sri Lanka and Bangladesh are in contention. India vs Pakistan CWC 2019 Semi-Final on Cards! Here’s How PAK Can Qualify for Last Four and Face-off Against Rivals IND.
Out of these six teams, India is placed better and have almost sealed their semis berth. Pakistan, out of nowhere, following their wins against South Africa and New Zealand are back in the reckoning and their semi-final chances look quite a possibility now. Hosts England started as favourites but find themselves in a spot of bother now.
New Zealand, who were unbeaten before facing Pakistan, find themselves in a tricky situation. Bangladesh and Sri Lanka are in the race after some unexpected results. Meanwhile, let’s take a look at semi-final scenarios as of now for CWC 2019. ICC Cricket World Cup 2019 – Points Table.
India
With 11 points from six matches, India are currently placed second on the CWC 2019 points table. The Virat Kohli-led side have three matches remaining and they need just a win to seal their semis spot. India next fact England, Bangladesh, and Sri Lanka.
Pakistan
Pakistan have seven points from seven matches. They need to win both their remaining matches against Afghanistan and Bangladesh. Defeat against Pakistan will knock Bangladesh out. Pakistan will also have to hope that England and Sri Lanka lose one of their upcoming matches. In case, England win their both the matches (including England), Pakistan will then be hoping that New Zealand lose to Australia as well. In this case, Pakistan and New Zealand will finish on 11 points and the team with higher Net Run Rate will go through. Pakistan Hands Over a Shocking Defeat to New Zealand in ICC CWC 2019; Cricket World Cup Draws Spooky Parallels Between CWC 2019 & 1992.
England
The equation for England is pretty simple. They need to win both their remaining matches to qualify for the semis. England next face India and New Zealand. In case, England manage to win just one match, then they have to depend on other results. For England to qualify for last four, Pakistan and Bangladesh should lose at least one of their remaining matches while Sri Lanka should lose two. If Sri Lanka lose only one, then England will go through as they will end up with maximum wins than Sri Lanka.
New Zealand
Just one defeat and things change for New Zealand. The Blackcaps were looking set to qualify for the semis easily but now find themselves in slight trouble. The Kiwis face England Australia next and that’s were the trouble lies. If they lose both their matches and Pakistan will their remaining two matches then the team with higher Net Run Rate will go through. One win for Kids is enough to help them seal their semis spot.
Sri Lanka
Sri Lanka’s win over England not only did them favour but to other teams as well. It was Sri Lanka’s victory that left the semis contention wide open. Sri Lanka are currently placed seventh on the points table with six points from six matches. They need to win their remaining matches against South Africa, West Indies, and India and then hope England and New Zealand lose one of their remaining matches. If Sri Lanka end up winning two out three matches, they can still qualify but would need England to lost both their remaining matches and also Pakistan and Bangladesh lose at least one of their matches.
Bangladesh
The Mashrafe Mortaza-led side is currently placed on the fifth spot with seven points. In order to qualify for semis, Bangladesh need to beat India and Pakistan and hope that both England and Sri Lanka lose one match. Bangladesh (with wins in their next matches) can also qualify If New Zealand lose their remaining two matches. In this case Net Run Rate will come to play.
(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Jun 28, 2019 09:52 AM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).