T20 World Cup: New Zealand, England, Australia and Sri Lanka in tricky race for semifinals

Group-1 of the Super-12 stage has been thrown wide open after England’s 20-run win over New Zealand at the Gabba. At this stage, four teams namely, England, Australia, Sri Lanka and New Zealand, can qualify for the semi-finals from Group-1.

England’s win over the Kiwis has considerably improved their position in the group after suffering a defeat at the hands of minnows Ireland and having their match against Australia washed out.

Scenario for England to qualify

Results so far: win vs Afghanistan, loss vs Ireland (DLS), washout vs Australia, win vs New Zealand

England has the massive advantage of playing last in Group-1, which will give them the exact permutations required against Sri Lanka to qualify. If Australia loses against Afghanistan, the Three Lions will go through on the basis of having more points. However, if both England and Australia lose their final group-stage matches, net run-rate will decide who moves forward.

Scenario for Australia to qualify

Results so far: loss vs New Zealand, win vs Sri Lanka, washout vs England, win vs Ireland

Australia currently occupies the third spot in Group-1, having won against Ireland in their last match at the Gabba. Australia will make it through to the semi-finals, on the basis of points, if Sri Lanka beat England in their final match and



they beat Afghanistan. However, if both England and Australia win their final games, it’ll all come down to who has a better net run-rate.

Scenario for Sri Lanka to qualify

Results so far: win vs Ireland, loss vs Australia, loss vs New Zealand, win vs Afghanistan

Sri Lanka currently sit fourth in Group-1, with 4 points from 4 matches. They will play a do-or-die match against England, where they require a win to qualify. Along with a win against England, Sri Lanka will also need Afghanistan to beat Australia in their final game.

Scenario for New Zealand to qualify

Results so far: win vs Australia, washout vs Afghanistan, win vs Sri Lanka, loss vs England

New Zealand lead Group-1 but only on the basis of a superior net run-rate of +2.233. The Kiwis just need a win in their final game against Ireland, and hope one of England or Australia lose their matches. If all three of them win their final game, all of them will have 7 points on the board. In this scenario, net run-rate will decide who qualifies for the semi-finals.

Final Group 1 Fixtures

Friday, November 4: Ireland v New Zealand, Adelaide Oval

Friday, November 4: Australia v Afghanistan, Adelaide Oval

Saturday, November 5: Sri Lanka v England, Sydney Cricket Group