CWC 2019: Where teams stand on qualification

The 2019 ICC Cricket World Cup is taking an interesting turn with some unexpected and shocking results, thanks to its round-robin format. Barring table-toppers Australia, all other teams still need to grind it out for qualification to the Top 4. The competition is intense, with every team except South Africa and Afghanistan and West Indies to an extent, very much vying for the coveted semi-final spots.

Here’s how the qualification scenario looks like for teams still in the hunt:

India

Having played the least number of matches, Team India has gained a slight advantage over the remaining teams. With 9 points in 5 games and an unbeaten winning streak, they’re now set to face the West Indies, England, Bangladesh and Sri Lanka in their last 4 fixtures. With the kind of form they’re in, India can easily qualify for the semi-finals with another win under their belt. However, a couple of victories will seal the deal for the Men in Blue.

Pakistan

By getting past a struggling South Africa in their last match, Pakistan have kept themselves alive in typical fashion with 5 wins in 6 games. For Sarfaraz’s men to have any hopes of qualification, they will have to win all of their remaining matches in the league stage. And that will require a wholesome team effort from the Pakistani team, especially in their next game against an unbeaten New Zealand. But Pakistan will also need the other results to go their way:

• England to lose at least one more match
• Sri Lanka to lose all their matches, or India/Australia to lose all their games

Bangladesh

From minnows to challengers, Bangladesh’s progression in world cricket has been impressive, to say the least. A resounding win against Afghanistan has kept their fire burning in this World Cup. With 7 points in 7 games, they’re yet to face both India and Pakistan. But for them to even have the slightest of a chance to go through, the Tigers will have to roar big in their remaining contests. Of course, their fate also depends on how other teams perform and they’d be praying for their collective failure with all their might.

Sri Lanka

Nobody expected anything from the Sri Lankan cricket team going into this World Cup. Not even their own players. And yet, with a sudden and stunning victory over favourites England, they breathed life into a rather predictable tournament. But their road ahead is filled with challenges in the form of South Africa, West Indies and India. Their qualification dynamics look even more complicated:

• Sri Lanka to win all matches
• England to lose at least one match
• India, Australia and New Zealand to lose all their remaining games

England

With two back-to-back defeats, England suddenly find themselves pondering over their inability to chase down mediocre totals. They started off well, but are now stranded with 8 points in 7 matches on the points table. Their next match is against an in-form Indian team and if they lose another, they’ll be dependent on how other teams fare.

New Zealand

Kane Williamson’s men have had a dream run in this World Cup and are yet to lose a single game. With 11 points in 6 matches, they’re sitting in second place on the points table. With matches lined up against Pakistan, Australia and England, the Kiwis will be delighted to have gotten those early wins. They’re one win away from a semi-final berth, but they’ll try to win them all for a shot at the top spot.