Remaining Group 2 fixtures
New Zealand vs Afghanistan
Pakistan vs Scotland
India vs Namibia
What’s the net run rate scenario in Group 2?
After a crushing defeat at the hands of New Zealand in the second game, India’s net run rate was a lowly -1.609. However, after two back to back wins by massive margins – first against Afghanistan by 66 runs and now against Scotland with 81 balls remaining – India’s net run rate is now at +1.619, the highest amongst all the Group 2 teams.
Though Afghanistan and New Zealand are not too far off, at +1.481 and +1.277 respectively.
“We spoke about 100-120 max but we restricted them to a total that allowed us to leapfrog everyone else. We spoke about finishing in the 8-10 over bracket,” said Virat Kohli in the post-match presentation.
Despite the massive NRR boost, India’s semi-final hopes is pinned on the result of the New Zealand-Afghanistan game. Second in the group with six points, New Zealand have their fate in their own hands.
What happens if New Zealand win?
It’s quite simple for the Black Caps – win the game, qualify for the semi-finals without NRR coming into the picture or lose the game and they are out of the tournament.
A win for the Kiwis will take them to eight points, which will be out of India’s reach, thus eliminating the Men in Blue before their game against Namibia.
Quite simply, a victory for New Zealand is the worst possible result for India.
What happens if Afghanistan win?
Afghanistan will have the support of 1 billion Indian fans when they take on New Zealand on Sunday as only a defeat for the Kiwis will keep India in contention for the semi-finals.
However, Afghanistan themselves will be in with a strong chance to qualify if they beat New Zealand by a handsome margin. If they do, they would be hoping for an upset from Namibia against India, which would see them qualify for the semi-finals of the ICC event for the first time in their history.
If Afghanistan beat New Zealand, India will have to keep NRR in mind when they face Namibia.
What do India need to do?
All of India’s hopes are currently pinned on Afghanistan. If Afghanistan win against New Zealand, India themselves will have to beat Namibia by a margin that keeps their net run rate above Afghanistan.
On the net run rate front, it is advantage India at the moment, who have the best net run rate in Group 2.