After three rounds of matches, the Group 2 qualification stakes are beginning to take form, with South Africa leading the way and Pakistan still in a bind. But there is still a lot at stake as the sides compete for a berth in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2022 semi-finals. We take a look at the current condition of play.
Who’s in the driving seat to reach the semi-finals for T20 World Cup?
South Africa’s victory over India propels them to the top of the group with five points. India and Bangladesh are close behind, each with four points. With a net run rate of +0.844, India has the lead over Bangladesh, but Wednesday’s match against Bangladesh appears more important.
Zimbabwe had a chance with their amazing win over Pakistan, but their tragic defeat to Bangladesh means it would take something extraordinary for them to finish in the top two from here. South Africa’s Net RR of +2.772, which was achieved by their thumping 104-run win against Bangladesh, means they are now obvious favorites to qualify from the group.
Can Pakistan still make it for T20 World Cup?
Two losses, both on the last ball of matches against India and Zimbabwe, have left Pakistan in desperate need of a miracle to reach the semi-finals. And their aspirations have been dashed again by India’s defeat over South Africa, a setback that complicates Babar Azam’s qualifying options.
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Pakistan will earn six points if they defeat South Africa on November 3 and Bangladesh on November 6. However, Pakistan has little control over the situation and it becomes increasingly doubtful, if not mathematically impossible, that six points would suffice.
South Africa’s victory on Sunday means that even if Pakistan defeats the Proteas in their next encounter, it would not be enough for them to overtake Temba Bavuma’s team. Net run rate might still be a factor, so winning by a large margin in at least one of the remaining games wouldn’t hurt.