CHENNAI (Kashmir English): Following a heavy 76-run defeat to South Africa in their opening Super 8 match on February 22, India’s path to the T20 World Cup semi-finals is in a critical state.
India currently has 0 points and a poor Net Run Rate (NRR) of -3.800, placing them third in Group 1.
India’s qualification scenarios
To qualify, the team’s most realistic path requires winning both their remaining matches; against Zimbabwe on February 26 and against West Indies on March 1.
If South Africa wins all their matches (beating West Indies and Zimbabwe), South Africa (6 points) and India (4 points) will both qualify directly.
If South Africa loses to West Indies but beats Zimbabwe, three teams (India, South Africa, and West Indies) will likely tie on 4 points. Qualification will then be decided by Net Run Rate.
If South Africa loses both remaining matches, India and West Indies will qualify with 4 points each.
If India loses to either Zimbabwe or West Indies, they will almost certainly be eliminated. A single win only offers a mathematical chance if multiple other results create a massive three-way tie on 2 points, which would rely on a highly improbable NRR swing. India’s next two matches are “must-wins” to stay in the tournament.
