ICC World Cup 2015: Team-wise quarter-final scenarios
27 games have been played in the 2015 ICC Cricket World Cup. New Zealand and India lead their respective groups, having won all of their respective matches. England has been one of the major disappointments at this World Cup and their quarter-final spot hangs by a thread. Elsewhere, Ireland have really impressed and South Africa, despite losing against India, look like a strong outfit.We take a look at the teams that are likely to make it to the next round, and more importantly, what they need to do to make it to the next round:
#1 New Zealand - Pool A
Current Standing: P: 4, W: 4, L: 0, NRR: +3.589, PTS: 8
Current Rank: 1st Pool A
Games to play: Afghanistan (8th March), Bangladesh (13th March)
New Zealand are the only team to be sure of a knock-out berth at present. The tournament policy has ensured that irrespective of whether they are first, second, third or fourth in Pool A, they will be playing their quarter-final at home, in Wellington on 21st March.
Since New Zealand have won all their games, and against teams that feature in the Top 8 of ICC’s One-day rankings, its unlikely that they will not top Pool A. With a quarter-final against the team ranked fourth in Pool B assured, and two largely irrelevant games in the offing – this is the time the Kiwis can use to rest a few of the jaded players in a bid to go all out during the business end of the tournament.