Going into the final few rounds of games, the Group 2 Super 12 semi-final qualifying battle for the T20 World Cup 2022 is a compelling proposition due to rain and unexpected results. With 6 points from four matches, Team India defeated Bangladesh by 5 runs (DLS method) to take the lead over South Africa, who is currently in second place with 5 points.
However, as of right now, none of the six teams in Group 2 are guaranteed a berth in the semifinals. India, South Africa, Bangladesh, and Pakistan can all place first or second in their respective groups and advance to the next round.
South Africa and Team India, are currently the favourites to go to the semifinals, but nothing is guaranteed at this point. India may not advance to the semifinals if they lose against Zimbabwe and other group matches don’t go their way.
If South Africa defeats Pakistan on Thursday (November 3) at the Sydney Cricket Ground, they will formally confirm their place in the top two. However, if the Proteas lose that game, the group will advance to the elimination round.
India’s Chances
Until the last round of games on Sunday, November 6, when Rohit Sharma’s team plays the final match of the group against Zimbabwe at the Melbourne Cricket Ground, India will not formally qualify.
Nobody can replace India in the top two if South Africa defeats Pakistan and Pakistan defeats Bangladesh.
Pakistan’s Chances
Pakistan’s chances of making it to the semi-finals under the leadership of Babar Azam are rapidly dwindling, but they are still mathematically in the running. Pakistan must defeat South Africa on Thursday to advance. If Pakistan loses that game, they will be eliminated from the semifinals along with Zimbabwe and the Netherlands.
If Pakistan defeats the Proteas, they will need to defeat Bangladesh in their fifth and final match, preferably by a wide margin to give themselves a good final NRR just in case that turns out to be the deciding factor.
In those circumstances, should Zimbabwe pull off a shocking victory in the final group match, they might finish ahead of India. If the Dutch pull off an upset in that match or if the game is postponed due to bad weather, Pakistan may also finish ahead of South Africa in the NRR ststandinds.
Group 2 remaining fixtures
November 3: Pakistan vs South Africa, SCG, Sydney
November 6: South Africa vs Netherlands, Adelaide Oval
November 6: Pakistan vs Bangladesh, Adelaide Oval
November 6: Zimbabwe vs India, MCG, Melbourne
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