New Delhi. The Super Eight stage of the T20 World Cup is about to end, but so far only two teams have been able to make it to the semi-finals. South Africa from Group-1 and England from Group-2 have reached the next round. Four teams are vying for the remaining two spots. The situation in Group-1 is clear that the team that wins on Sunday between India and West Indies will reach the semi-finals, but in Group-2 there is a problem and here the role of net run rate has become very important.
Pakistan got relief from New Zealand’s defeat
England has changed the equation of Group-2 by defeating New Zealand in the Super Eight match of the T20 World Cup.
New Zealand, batting first, scored 159 runs for seven wickets in 20 overs.
In reply, England team won by scoring 161 runs for six wickets in 19.3 overs.
England’s victory over New Zealand has brought relief to Pakistan because if New Zealand had won this match, Pakistan’s journey would have stopped in the Super Eight.
With the defeat of New Zealand, the equation of semi-finals in Group-2 has changed and now all eyes are on the match between Sri Lanka and Pakistan.
England has already qualified, which means now there is a battle between two teams for a place in the semi-finals from this group.
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What is the position of the teams in Group-2?
Talking about Group-2 of the Super Eight stage, England has won all its three matches and has made it to the semi-finals with six points. New Zealand is in second place with three points from three matches with one win, one loss and one canceled match. New Zealand’s net run rate is +1.390. Pakistan team is at third position with one point from two matches with one loss and one canceled match. Pakistan’s net run rate is -0.461. At the same time, co-host Sri Lanka lost both its opening matches in the Super Eight, due to which its journey came to a halt. Even though Sri Lanka is out, but now it has to face Pakistan on Saturday. Sri Lanka has nothing left to lose, but all is not lost for Pakistan.
How can Pakistan reach the semi-finals?
New Zealand’s defeat against England has made the race for the semi-finals interesting.
From here the net run rate has become very important. That means Pakistan will not only have to defeat Sri Lanka, but will also have to register a big victory.
If Pakistan bats first against Sri Lanka and scores 160 runs, then it will have to win the match by 64 or more runs.
If Pakistan bowls first and restricts Sri Lanka to 160, then it will have to achieve this target in 40+ balls or 13.1 overs.
If Pakistan team cannot do this then New Zealand will qualify for the semi-finals on the basis of better net run rate.
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