Qualification scenarios for the U19 World Cup and can India and Pakistan make the Under-19 World Cup semi-finals?
There is a lot on the line as teams compete to place in the top two of their groups in the final round of the Under-19 World Cup, which takes place over the next several days. Australia have already qualified from group 1, while England are favourites to achieve the same from group 2, but this is how the qualification scenarios appear for all the teams in contention.
With a flawless 3-0 record – including wins against Pakistan and Zimbabwe carried forward from group C – England are overwhelming favourites to finish among the top two in the group. They will play their final match on Friday against New Zealand, who have battled in this tournament, losing both to Pakistan with 197 balls remaining and to India by 141 balls to spare. If England beat New Zealand, they’ll end with eight points and qualify for the semi-finals.
The last Super Sixes match, which takes place on Sunday between India and Pakistan, is of far greater importance. If England win on Friday, just one out of India or Pakistan will make it to the last four.
The NRR gap is not as big as it seems: if Pakistan bats first and scores 300, they must defeat India by 85 runs; if they bowl first and limit India to 200, they must reach the objective in about 31.5 overs. They will need to reach the mark in roughly 33.2 overs if it is 251.
These are fairly difficult goals, but it’s important to keep in mind that Pakistan triumphed by 191 runs in their most recent encounter, which took place in the Asia Cup final a month ago.
Are Pakistan and India both eligible? Although it hasn’t been ruled out yet, New Zealand must defeat England in order for that to occur. Three teams will finish with six points if Pakistan defeats India, with NRR selecting the top two. But given their present performance, it seems improbable that England will lose against New Zealand by two points.
There is only one spot available, and the formula is straightforward, as Australia has already won group 1 and will therefore undoubtedly face the team that places second in group 2 in the semifinals. Afghanistan will qualify with six points if they win since any victory will maintain their NRR above Sri Lanka’s -0.113. Sri Lanka will qualify with six points if they lose and stay at four. Afghanistan are overwhelming favourites to defeat Ireland, who are at the bottom of the standings, and earn a second semi-final position in the group.