On Sunday Pakistan win sets up final day rumble for group 2. The qualifying possibilities in Group 2 are beginning to take shape as the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2022 swiftly approaches its elimination round. Pakistan scored a comfortable win against South Africa in Sydney and kept itself afloat in the race for a semi-final position. The result also means that it’s everything to play for in the last round of Group 2 games. We take a look at the condition of play as things stand.
Who’s in the driving seat to reach the semi-finals?
India’s close and nail-biting win over Bangladesh has taken them to the top with six points from four games and is now situated comfortably to lead the group should they beat Zimbabwe in their last encounter. On the flip side, they might yet be caught if they are defeated by Zimbabwe in their last encounter.
South Africa had an opportunity to formally cement their status in the top two with a win against Pakistan on Thursday, but they fell well short of the DLS mark and now have to win their last game against the Netherlands to seal a semi-final berth. However, should the Netherlands pull off an upset, it will open the way for either Pakistan or Bangladesh, who square off in the second game on Sunday, to win and clinch a position in the last four.
How can Pakistan still make it?
The possibility of a Pakistan presence in the semi-finals will rely on other results. Should Netherlands or Zimbabwe secure a win over South Africa or India respectively, Babar Azam’s team would be in with a chance. But, first and foremost, they must win their game against Bangladesh.
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If the Netherlands defeats the Proteas, Pakistan will overtake South Africa to six points, while Bavuma’s side would remain on five. If Zimbabwe defeats India, Pakistan might tie India on points. Given that both sides have the same amount of victories, the determining factor will be the net run rate, which Pakistan (+1.117) presently leads India (+0.730).
If all of the other matches go Pakistan’s way, Babar Azam’s team may possibly top Group 2, which appeared exceedingly difficult after losing their first two matches to India and Zimbabwe. However, as things are, both India and South Africa control their own futures. If they win their respective matches, they will advance to the semi-finals.
A missed opportunity for Zimbabwe
The Netherlands’ victory over Zimbabwe on Wednesday officially eliminated them from contention for an improbable top-two finish. If Sikandar Raza had spurred his side to victory over the Dutch – and he did his best with scant aid – Zimbabwe may have pulled off one of the biggest upsets in tournament history.
- 6 November: South Africa v Netherlands, Adelaide Oval
- 6 November: Pakistan v Bangladesh, Adelaide Oval
- 6 November: Zimbabwe v India, MCG, Melbourne