World Cup 2019: Semi-final qualification scenarios after Bangladesh-Afghanistan game
With 31 games having concluded, we are now past the halfway point of the ICC Cricket World Cup 2019. The recent results have opened up a whole new set of possibilities for teams who looked dead and buried. But that's what World Cups are all about – you can never write anyone off. While it's been curtains for some teams and sure shot qualifications for others, there are still others who have chances to cause a major upset and qualify for the semi-finals.
Let's have a look at how things stand for each of the 10 teams.
#1 New Zealand (11 points)
Sitting pretty at the top of the table, New Zealand seem almost certain to qualify for the semis. They have always been known as someone who punches above their weight and the Kiwis have proved it again that they are worthy of winning the World Cup.
Qualification scenario
- Win at least 1 of their remaining 3 games
- In case they lose all their 3 games, they have enough points to still make it through
Remaining fixtures
1 - Pakistan (26/06, Birmingham)
2 - Australia (29/06, London)
3 - England (03/06, Durham)
#2 Australia (10 points)
The 5-time world champions are back at it after a torrid couple of years and what better time to peak than the World Cup? They are strong contenders and will be looking to lift the title for the 6th time.
Qualification scenario
- Need to win 2 of their 3 remaining games for a guaranteed qualification
- 1 win out of 3 could still leave them hanging
Remaining fixtures
1 - England (26/06, London)
2 - New Zealand (29/06, London)
3 - South Africa (06/06, Manchester)
#3 India (9 points)
India started their campaign very late as compared to others, but very strongly too. They are the only team besides New Zealand remain unbeaten so far. A late and staggered scheduling has meant that their last 4 fixtures are crammed up in a short time. But a superior performance first up has all but sealed their spot as a semi-finalist.
Qualification scenario
- Need to win at least 1 out of the 4 remaining games
Remaining fixtures
1 - West Indies (27/06, Manchester)
2 - England (30/06, Birmingham)
3 - South Africa (02/07, Birmingham)
4 - Sri Lanka (06/07, Leeds)
#4 England (8 points)
The favorites of this tournament have had a few hiccups along the way, and they could hinder their semi-finals hopes. To make matters worse, they are marred by injuries and they haven't defeated any of the 3 oppositions that they are yet to face for 27 years.
Qualification scenario
- Need to win at least 2 games
- 1 win could also see them through because of their superior NRR
Remaining fixtures:
1 - Australia (25/06, London)
2 - India (30/06, Birmingham)
3 - New Zealand (03/07, Durham)
#5 Bangladesh (7 points)
Bangladesh have performed really well in this tournament on the back of their all-rounder Shakib al Hasan. They managed to defeat South Africa and West Indies very convincingly and went down fighting against Australia. They will be looking to ram the advantage home in their remaining fixtures.
Qualification scenario:
- Need to win at least 1 game but by a big margin as their NRR is very low
Remaining fixtures:
1 - India (02/07, Birmingham)
2 - Pakistan (05/07, London)
Also read – Most runs for tenth wicket in world cup
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