Image Credit- AP
Sri Lanka is in the same boat as Pakistan and the
Netherlands with four points from six games. They’re not quite out of it yet,
but the situation is dire. Mathematically, two teams could still finish with 12
or more points, and up to seven teams could finish with 8 points, vying for two
berths.
This implies that Pakistan, the Netherlands, and Sri
Lanka—who may still win with ten points—are in the running. The likelihood of
them moving on is low, though, considering how badly they’ve performed thus far
and the fact that two of their three remaining games are against India and New
Zealand.
Afghanistan’s victory over Sri Lanka has given them
six points from as many games so far; if they win their final three games, they
will have twelve. They will have a good chance if they reach 12 points because
only four other teams can score 12 or more. Their next opponent is the
Netherlands, whom they will want to defeat on Friday, although their previous
two games were against South Africa and Australia. If other outcomes go their
way, even 10 points might offer them a chance.
Afghanistan’s current NRR of -0.718, however, may come
back to haunt them if it comes to net run rates, as the top four teams all have
NRRs of more than 0.95.
Although Pakistan’s campaign has been forgettable thus
far, if other results go their way, they still have a mathematical chance of
placing in the top four, or perhaps third. They are unable to match India’s 12,
but run rates may be the deciding factor if at least one of Australia, New
Zealand, or South Africa loses a few games and doesn’t reach 10.
There’s a chance for the aforementioned eight-point
battle, even if Pakistan loses.
Since only Australia, South Africa, New Zealand, and
India may finish with 14 or more points, 14 points will be sufficient to
qualify. Thus, India will guarantee their place in the semi-finals with a
victory over Sri Lanka on Thursday.