CWC 2019: Qualification scenario – Who needs to do what?

It was a win over England that rekindled Sri Lanka’s hopes and it was a win by England that ended it. The World Cup hosts secured a 31-run win over India at Edgbaston on Sunday (30th June). The result ended Sri Lanka’s chances of progressing ahead in the tournament. Their match against West Indies today and last match against India is merely a formality.
After Sri Lanka – West Indies game, we still have six matches left in the group stage. As of now, Australia are the only team to confirm their place in the semi-final lineup. As many as five teams are still fighting for the remaining three spots. Here’s what each of them needs to do in order to progress.

India

Last to get into the tournament, the team still has two matches remaining in the fixtures. With five wins and one point from the rained-off match, India are favourites to end in the top two spots. They need to win one more game to confirm the semi-final and two more wins will help them challenge Australia for the top spot. India play Bangladesh and Sri Lanka next.

New Zealand

Win the match against England on 3rd July at Chester-le-street. Even if they lose, they have a pretty good chance of qualifying to the next stage thanks to their positive net run rate. Since Pakistan and Bangladesh both have negative run rate, it is improbable for them to take New Zealand’s place in the top four.

England

The victory over India keeps England’s qualifying chances in their own hands. The hosts need to defeat the Blackcaps. If they get to 12 points, they cannot be taken out of the top four. If they lose, they will want India to beat Bangladesh and Bangladesh to beat Pakistan. This would take both Bangladesh and Pakistan to nine points, with England qualifying as the fourth team with 10 points.

Pakistan

India’s loss against England jeopardises Pakistan’s chances of finishing in the top four. If England beats New Zealand on Wednesday (3rd July), Pakistan’s semi-final contention will take a mega hit. Then they will have to aim to go above New Zealand in terms of NRR which will be extremely tough. Pakistan’s last game against Bangladesh on Friday (5th July) is a must-win. A loss knocks them out straight away.

Bangladesh

The Asian tigers have a huge task in front of them. They will have to defeat India and Pakistan in successive matches to harbour the dreams of playing their first-ever World Cup semi-final. Bangladesh also has to hope for England’s loss versus New Zealand. In case England wins, Bangladesh will have to win their two matches with a handsome margin to pip the Blackcaps.

Points table as on 1st July

Sri Lanka, South Africa, West Indies and Afghanistan have been knocked out of semi-final race.