The Group 2 qualifying stakes are starting to take shape after two rounds of games, with India in the lead and Pakistan in serious peril.
However, there is still much at stake as the six sides in Group 2 vie for two spots in the 2022 ICC Men’s T20 World Cup semifinals.
We examine the current situation and describe how Pakistan may still be eligible:
Who has the best chance of making it to the semi-finals?
With a maximum of four points from their first two games, India is in first place in the group and is well-positioned to advance to the semifinals.
With a Net Run Rate of +1.425, the team is off to a strong start, and it will take a significant improvement for Rohit Sharma’s team to avoid finishing in the top two.
With three games remaining, the rain-interrupted draw between South Africa and Zimbabwe leaves both teams just one point behind India, which might have a significant impact on the standings.
Read More: Rain plays spoilsport as Proteas lose points against Zimbabwe
Zimbabwe now has a chance after their incredible victory over Pakistan, but they will probably still need to win at least two, if not all three, of their remaining games.
Due to a remarkable Net RR of +5.200 that was produced by the devastating 104-run victory over Bangladesh on Thursday, South Africa has an advantage over Zimbabwe.
At this point, that is basically worth an extra point.
Pakistan’s future remains uncertain
Pakistan needs to do something extraordinary to go to the semifinals after suffering two defeats, both of which came on the last ball of games against India and Zimbabwe.
Although it is increasingly doubtful, it is still mathematically conceivable for Pakistan to make it to the last four.
The first task for Babar Azam’s team is to win each of their final three games, which are against Bangladesh on November 6 and the Netherlands on November 6, South Africa on November 3, and the Netherlands on November 8.
However, Pakistan has no control over it. The most number of points Pakistan can get is six if any two of India, Zimbabwe, or South Africa win two of their remaining three games.
A large margin of victory in at least one of the remaining games wouldn’t harm either because Net RR could still play a role.
Read More: Taskin Ahmed takes four as Bangladesh beat Netherlands
Important Upcoming Games
Zimbabwe vs Bangladesh on October 30
With two games left, whichever team wins tonight will put themselves right in the fight for qualification. It should be an interesting matchup because both teams’ bowling squads have shown promise throughout the tournament so far.
South Africa vs India on October 30
When the team in third place in the world rankings plays the team in second place, it will be a big game for the tournament and India may almost certainly qualify. Both teams will still be sure of making it, but South Africa would be especially vulnerable if they lost considering that they lost to Zimbabwe in the rain and dropped points. It makes mathematical sense for Pakistan to desire South Africa to lose this game, which would put the supporters in a difficult situation.
South Africa vs Pakistan on November 3rd
The Pakistan vs. South Africa match in Sydney could be a game-changing encounter for both teams, depending on the outcomes of the matches that came before it. Even without the possibility of qualification on the line, it’s a significant matchup between two of the best teams in the world.
