West Indies, the two-time world champions are having a free fall as far as international cricket is concerned. After failing to make it to the Super 12s in the T20 World Cup, the Men in Maroon are in danger of missing the plane to India for the ICC Cricket World Cup 2023. West Indies and Sri Lanka were the favourites to breeze past the other eight nations to make it to the 10-team tournament in India in October-November. However, losses to Zimbabwe and then the Netherlands have landed their campaign in jeopardy.
Even though they did make it to the Super Six stage with wins over Nepal and USA, their points would have been counted only if they had beaten the likes of Zimbabwe and the Netherlands, the two teams qualified from their group. Hence, the West Indies will start from zero in Super Six and they not just have to win their three games but also hope that several other results go their way.
Since Zimbabwe are currently at the top of the table, West Indies have to hope that the Craig Ervine-led side doesn't win any of their remaining two games in Super Six. Similarly, Sri Lanka have to lose two of their remaining three games for the West Indies to have a chance. However, the results of just these two teams won't be enough because the net run rate will come into play.
Since Zimbabwe has already won one of their three games. Thus, West Indies have to hope that Netherlands and Scotland lose two games each.
All these above permutations and combinations will only work if West Indies beat Scotland, Oman and Sri Lanka in their remaining three games. West Indies can't afford to drop even one game now. One more loss will end their dream of qualifying for the World Cup and it will be the first ODI World Cup without the Men in Maroon.
