20-20 World Cup: Qualification scenarios for India

1.3 billion hearts were left broken when India lost their second consecutive game of the 20-20 World Cup and went down to New Zealand by eight wickets. India are currently placed in the bottom of Group B, with two losses in two games.

Given that New Zealand just need a win to qualify for the next round, and the quality of oppositions they are going to face, they are the firm contenders to go through the semifinals along with Pakistan, who are the current table toppers.

However, India still is not technically out of the tournament. Even though the chances are relatively low, they can qualify for the semifinals if New Zealand lose at least one of their three remaining games. The more the losses, the better for India.

But that alone won’t work as India will also need to win all their remaining games. Not only wins, but they need to secure wins by big margins as the two losses have given their net run rate a real tonk. India’s net run rate is the second-worst in the group at -1.609 and the team need to get that over of New Zealand and Afghanistan.

Meanwhile, Pakistan are almost through to the semifinals and just need a win in their remaining two games. Even if they lose, which is very unlikely, they will most probably go through. Afghanistan is a team to watch out for. They are placed second in the group and have a net run rate of + 3.097. If they can beat New Zealand, they will have a great chance of qualifying for the semifinals.