2024 T20 World Cup Super 8 Group 2 qualification scenarios: How can South Africa and West Indies qualify for semifinals?
Defending champions England hammered the United States by 10 wickets in their last Super 8 match in Group 2 on Sunday, June 23 to confirm their place in the 2024 T20 World Cup semifinals. The Englishmen thus became the first team to qualify for the knockouts of the ICC event. Following the defeat, the United States were officially knocked out of the competition.
Bowling first after winning the toss at the Kensington Oval in Bridgetown, Barbados, England did a wonderful job of cleaning up the United States for 115 in 18.5 overs. Pacer Chris Jordan (4-10) claimed a hat-trick, while Adil Rashid and Sam Curran picked up two wickets each. In the chase, England romped home in 9.4 overs, with skipper Jos Buttler clobbering 83* off 38 balls.
Courtesy of their thumping victory, England finished the Super 8 stage in Group 2 with four points from three matches. They have qualified for the semifinals of the T20 World Cup on the back of their excellent net run rate of +1.992. Irrespective of what happens in South Africa vs West Indies match, England are assured of a top-two finish in Group 2.
West Indies vs South Africa 2024 T20 World Cup clash now a virtual knockout
England's handsome win over the United States not only confirmed their place in the semifinals of the 2024 T20 World Cup but also knocked the US out of the tournament.
The last Group 2 Super 8 match between West Indies and South Africa at the Sir Vivian Richards Stadium in North Sound, Antigua on Monday, June 24 thus becomes a virtual knockout clash.
South Africa are currently second in the Group 2 points table, with two wins from two matches [four points]. A win against West Indies on Monday will confirm their place in the 2024 T20 World Cup semifinals as they would move up to six points.
In case the West Indies beat South Africa, the co-hosts will qualify for the semifinals ahead of the Proteas. The Windies have two points from two matches and a triumph over South Africa will take them equal on points with their opponents. However, West Indies with a net run rate of +1.814 will qualify ahead of South Africa (+0.625) in case of a win on Monday.
If the Proteas go down to West Indies in their last Super 8 match, it will be a rather cruel end to their 2024 T20 World Cup campaign. They are unbeaten in the ICC event so far, but their first loss would knock them out of the semifinal race.