New Delhi: Now that Pakistan has been pushed out of ongoing T20 World Cup after their crushing defeat against Australia, the equations have become pretty straight as to who would qualify for semi finals from Group 2.
Since New Zealand has already qualified for the semi finals and both Pakistan and Bangladesh are out of the race, everything depends on the upcoming match between India and Australia to be played at Mohali on Sunday. Whoever wins this match will qualify for the semi finals from Group 2.
In Group 2, New Zealand, Australia and India have played 3 matches each till today. New Zealand has won all three matches and with 6 points they have already qualified for the semi-finals. Pakistan has played all 4 matches and with just 1 win, they have managed to get only 2 points and are out of the race for semis.
Similarly, with three consecutive losses, Bangladesh is also out of the race for a place in semi-finals. Bangladesh will face New Zealand tomorrow in their last league match but the result will have no impact on deciding the second berth for semis from group 2.
This equation has narrowed down the competition between India and Australia for the second spot in semi-final line up from Group 2. Both teams have won 2 matches out of 3 that they have played and both have accumulated 4 points each.
Therefore, Sunday’s match between India and Australia will be a virtual quarter finals and the winner of this match will qualify for Semi finals from group 2 with 6 points.
And here onwards, for both India and Australia, every match of this tournament will be a knock-out contest.
Australia today scored a convincing 21-run victory against Pakistan at Mohali.
Captain Steven Smith (61 not out off 43) and Shane Watson (44 not out off 21) hammered 74 off the last 38 balls to take Australia to 193 for four.
Pakistani batsmen faltered once again barring a decent effort from Khalid Latif (46 off 41) and Shoaib Malik (40 off 20) to end at 172 for eight.
