World Cup semifinals qualification scenario

Australia's 86-run win has introduced more uncertainty over which teams will finish in the top four of the ongoing cricket World Cup. The Aussies are already through to the semis and have one match remaining against South Africa but six other teams will be fighting for the remaining three slots.

Austalia's victory over the Kiwis was good news for the likes of England, Bangladesh and Pakistan. South Africa, West Indies and Afghanistan are already out of the running. Let us have a look at the scenario.

India: (11 points 6 matches 5 wins) 2nd position

India have three matches to go and they are playing England at the moment. Winning all three will take India to the top of the standings over Australia.

Remaining matches:

Bangladesh July 2

Sri Lanka July 6

 

New Zealand: (11 points 8 matches 5 wins) 3rd position

New Zealand are yet to ensure qualification after their loss against Australia. They will need to beat England in their last match to secure top four finish and in case that does not happen (if they lose to England) and then England win against India today, their qualification could be at stake. Currently they have a better run-rate Bangladesh and Pakistan.

Remaining matches:

England on July 3

 

England: (8 points 7 matches 4 wins) 5th position

If England win against India today and then their next match against New Zealand, they would qualify. If they win only one of their remaining matches, they have to hope India beat Bangladesh and the Tigers beat Pakistan. They will also be hoping Sri Lanka do not win more than one of their remaining two games.

Remaining matches:

Against India at Edgbaston on June 30 (ongoing)

Against New Zealand at the Riverside Ground on July 3

 

Bangladesh: (7 matches 7 points 3 wins) 6th position

Bangladesh can make the semis if they beat both India and Pakistan and England win only one of their remaining matches. Even if England lose both their matches and end on 8 points, Bangladesh must beat Pakistan in their last game to have any chance.

Remaining matches:

India on July 2

Pakistan on July 5

 

Pakistan: (9 points 8 matches 4 wins) 4th position

Pakistan's narrow win against Afghanistan kept them alive in the tournament. They would have to beat Bangladesh in their remaining match and hope that England don't win more than one of the remaining two matches.

Remaining matches:

Against Bangladesh on July 5

 

Sri Lanka: (7 matches 6 points 2 wins) 7th position

If Sri Lanka win both their matches and Bangladesh don't win more than one match and also beat Pakistan, while England lose all their matches, Sri Lanka can make it through to the semis with 10 points.

Remaining matches:

Against West Indies on July 1

Against India on July 6