One match, three teams’ fates: Here’s the semis equation for India ahead of NZ vs AFG
India's Semi-final hopes are still alive and if things don't go their way in New Zealand’s match against Afghanistan then everything changes.
New Delhi: New Zealand and Afghanistan will lock horns with each other on Sunday in their final Group 2 match of the Super 12 stage. India’s Semi-final hopes are still alive and if things don’t go their way in New Zealand’s match against Afghanistan then everything changes.
Let’s take a look at the probable scenario:
In the fight for the semi-final spot, now everything depends on New Zealand’s match against Afghanistan.
If New Zealand win
A New Zealand win will present the most straightforward of scenarios as the Black Caps will block their spot in the semi-finals by beating Afghanistan with 8 points.
If Pakistan suffers a surprise loss to Scotland and New Zealand win against Afghanistan then Kiwis could finish the group on top spot courtesy of a superior net run rate.
This will leave Afghanistan and India eliminated from the tournament.
If Afghanistan win
Afghanistan’s win will open up all kinds of permutations as with 6 points AFG will be leveled with New Zealand and likely second courtesy of superior net run-rate.
For Afghans, the net run rate will be key and they will be watching India’s game against Namibia on Monday.
This will leave New Zealand eliminated and AGH can progress through to the semis if India loses or finish with an inferior net run-rate
For India
India’s hopes of progressing to the semi-finals rely completely on Afghanistan. The Nabi-led side needs to defeat New Zealand for the Men in Blue to have any chance of making it to the semi-finals.
If Afghanistan defeat the Kiwis, then India needs to beat Namibia and it will then come down to the net run rate between these three teams involved.
India and Namibia will lock horns on Monday.