Pakistan’s chances of making the tournament’s semifinals were already slim. Before Wednesday’s win by India over Bangladesh in the ICC T20 World Cup. India’s win against Bangladesh leaves Pakistan’s T20 World Cup standings in question.
India now has 6 points after 4 games, with South Africa in second at 5 points after 3 matches. With just two points from three games, Pakistan is last in Group 2. Pakistan’s final two matches are against South Africa (Thursday) and Bangladesh (Sunday). While South Africa faces the Netherlands and India faces Zimbabwe.
It’s unlikely that Pakistan will advance quickly, given South Africa and India. Both above them in the standings will be facing off against lower-ranked opponents in their final games. Having won both games, Pakistan would still need South Africa or India to lose their final match to advance.
India’s win against Bangladesh leaves Pakistan’s T20 World Cup standings in question
Pakistan needs to win both of their remaining matches this tournament (Thursday against South Africa and Sunday against Bangladesh) just to have a chance at advancing. Then, you’ll have to cross your fingers that Zimbabwe or the Netherlands can beat India or South Africa.
Pakistan would finish above South Africa in the points standings and qualify for the semifinals along with India if they win against South Africa on Thursday, Bangladesh on Sunday, and the Netherlands pull off an unlikely upset against Protease on Sunday.
If Pakistan sweeps India and India gets stunned by Zimbabwe, the two countries would be tied with six points apiece. Pakistan’s NRR is currently +0.765. It is higher than India’s NRR of +0.730. If Pakistan wins both games and the match between South Africa. And the Netherlands is called off due to rain, Pakistan will also qualify.
South Africa will only be able to muster 6 points if it rains, leaving them with fewer victories than Pakistan. If two or more teams finish with the same amount of points, the team with the most victories will advance to the semi-finals per clause 16.10.2(b) of the playing regulations.
South Africa would have two wins and two washouts if the game against the Netherlands were a draw, whereas Pakistan would have three victories if they won both games. Although, Sunday in Adelaide is not predicted to be rainy. In particular, if Pakistan loses against South Africa in Sydney on Thursday, they will be eliminated from playoff contention without a doubt.
