The picture of the semi-finals will be decided even before the match with Zimbabwe, why is Ahmedabad’s decision important for India?

New Delhi. Thursday is going to be a very important day in the Super-8 stage of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup. There are two big matches in the same day. On one side, there is a match between India vs Zimbabwe and on the other side, West Indies is competing with South Africa. This clash can clear the picture of the semi-finals to a great extent. That means this is not just two matches, but the fate of four teams is decided.

India vs Zimbabwe: Do or die battle

Team India will face the challenge of Zimbabwe in the match to be held in Chennai. After the crushing 76-run defeat to South Africa, India’s net run rate has reached -3.80. In such a situation, mere victory is not enough, but a big victory is necessary.

The biggest concern of Team India is the form of the top order. Abhishek Sharma and Tilak Verma have not been seen in rhythm yet, while Ishan Kishan is leading the charge alone. Captain Suryakumar Yadav will also have to increase his strike rate.

However, India looks strong in bowling. Bumrah is in great form and the support of Arshdeep Singh, Hardik Pandya and Varun Chakraborty gives balance to the team. The equation is clear for India. Defeating Zimbabwe and that too by a huge margin.

West Indies vs South Africa

West Indies and South Africa will face each other in Ahmedabad. Both the teams are so far undefeated in Super-8. West Indies showed the power of its aggressive batting by defeating Zimbabwe by 107 runs. By defeating India, South Africa proved how balanced their bowling is. This match will decide who will take the lead in the race for the semi-finals.

Why is the great collision of Ahmedabad important for India?

The interesting thing is that India’s future does not depend only on its own matches. If South Africa beats West Indies, the path may become easier for India. But if West Indies wins, the equations will become more complicated for the host team. That means the results on both grounds, Chennai and Ahmedabad, are linked to each other.

Now understand the equation

India’s match will start at 7 pm. Before this, the result of the match between West Indies and South Africa will be revealed in Ahmedabad. If Windies wins the match then it will be difficult for India. Because then India will reach all the semi-finals if it wins both its matches and also prays that South Africa loses to Zimbabwe in its next match also.

But if South Africa wins, then India’s next clash will be with West Indies. That means this match will be like a pre-semi-final. Whoever wins will go to the semi-finals. But there is another equation that if West Indies wins then India will have to pray that Zimbabwe beats South Africa.

At present, these two matches will clear the picture of Group 1 semi-finals to a great extent.