The T20 World Cup group stage is nearing its conclusion, with only a handful of places in the Super 8s still undecided ahead of the final round of fixtures.
Already safely through to the next phase are defending champions India national cricket team, co-hosts Sri Lanka national cricket team, along with West Indies cricket team, England cricket team, South Africa national cricket team and New Zealand national cricket team. The remaining qualification battles centre on Groups A and B, where net run-rate could yet prove decisive.
Group A permutations
India have already secured top spot, leaving Pakistan national cricket team, USA and the Netherlands national cricket team fighting for the second qualifying place. Pakistan will advance with victory over Namibia, regardless of other results. USA, who have completed their fixtures, must hope Pakistan lose and that the Netherlands either lose to India or fail to overturn the net run-rate deficit. For the Dutch, the equation is toughest: they must defeat India and rely on Pakistan slipping up, with net run-rate potentially separating the sides.
Group B battle intensifies
Sri Lanka’s win over Australia confirmed their passage but left Australia national cricket team in serious danger. If Zimbabwe national cricket team win either of their remaining matches, Australia will be eliminated. Ireland still have a mathematical chance but would need a win and a significant swing in net run-rate to progress. Oman are already out of contention.
Super 8 format explained
The top two teams from each of the four groups progress to the Super 8s, where they are split into two further groups of four. Each side plays three additional matches, facing the other teams in their section once. The top two from each Super 8 group will then move on to the semi-finals, with net run-rate used to separate teams level on points.
With only days remaining before the knockout picture becomes clear, the margins between progression and elimination are increasingly fine.
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