India vs Zimbabwe in the final encounter of their T20 World Cup Super-12 round on Sunday, and it is a game they cannot afford to lose. This will be the most exciting last match on Sunday which will decide the finalist for the semi-finals.
India vs Zimbabwe
Here’s why, despite leading Group 2 with six points from four games, India is still not certain of a semi-final spot following Pakistan’s dominant 33-run victory over South Africa through DLS in a rain-shortened encounter.
A Must-Win Match for India
India vs Zimbabwe is a very important match coming up for Indians, they must win this match to stay at the top of the table. India now leads with 6 points, followed by South Africa (5 points) and Pakistan (4 points). If India wins their match against Zimbabwe, they would easily advance to the knockout stages as Group 2 leaders.
If Rains Interrupt the match
If it rains and even a 5-a-side match is canceled, the two teams will split a point each, giving India a total of 7. India would thus qualify for the semi-finals, but perhaps not as Group 2’s top team. South Africa will then have a chance to win the group if they defeat the Netherlands with a respectable run rate, eliminating Pakistan and Bangladesh from contention. If South Africa loses to the Dutch in such a scenario, Pakistan will jump South Africa by six points and earn a spot in the last four. If Bangladesh wins that match, they will take that spot.
Read Also: South Africa vs Netherlands, A Must Win Match for South Africa
If India loses against Zimbabwe
If India loses against Zimbabwe, the Group 2 places will still be available. In such a situation, assuming the Netherlands also defeats the Proteas, Pakistan might tie India on points if they defeat Bangladesh. Because both sides will have the same amount of victories, the net run rate (NRR) will be the determining factor, with Pakistan (+1.117) currently leading India (+0.730). In summary, if South Africa loses to the Dutch and India lose to Zimbabwe, Babar Azam’s team will have a chance to make the last four. Assuming they win their match against Bangladesh.
Read Also: Pakistan vs Bangladesh, A must Win Match for Pakistan
If both South Africa and India lose their last games, Pakistan might win Group 2 by defeating Bangladesh. Something that seemed so impossible for a squad that appeared to be out of the tournament following a narrow loss to Zimbabwe.
As a result, India and South Africa are currently the front-runners. If the match is not called off, India must win the following one. South Africa must defeat the Netherlands to ensure a place in the last four. If the Netherlands pulls off an upset, either Pakistan or Bangladesh, who play in the second game on Sunday, would be able to join India in the knockout stages.