A loss for Pakistan to India could shatter their hopes of qualifying for the Super Eight.©AFP
Pakistan face arch rivals India in the second T20 World Cup match on Sunday in what will be a tough challenge. Babar Azam’s side are looking to bounce back from a shock defeat to USA in Dallas on Thursday. But a loss to India in New York on Sunday could end their hopes of qualifying for the Super Eight. India began their campaign with a thumping defeat to Ireland at the same venue on Wednesday. With USA also boasting a 100% win rate so far, Pakistan cannot afford to lose any more.
As it stands, Ireland sit at the top of Group A with four points from two matches. Their net run rate is +0.62. Behind them are India with two points, but they have only played one match yet and their net run rate is pretty impressive (+3.06).
Canada, after losing their opening match to the USA, beat Ireland to move into third place with two points from as many matches played. Pakistan and Ireland are currently without any points and are in fourth and fifth place.
Pakistan’s T20 World Cup Super 8 Qualifier Scenario
Pakistan may still miss out on a place in the Super 8 even if they win all their remaining matches. That being said, if Pakistan, India and the US finish the group stage with six points each, the outcome will come down to net run rate.
If Pakistan loses to India and India loses to the United States, the tournament’s co-hosts will have six points ahead of their final match against Ireland.
Currently, Pakistan’s NRR is worse than both the US and India. Pakistan will not only aim to win every match but will also ensure that their net run rate is high enough to beat one of these teams.
If Pakistan loses to India, the United States would need to lose their remaining two games to have any hope of progressing to the next round.
Meanwhile, Canada also has a good chance of making it to the Super 8 stage. As they currently have a negative NRR, they will need to win all their matches first and hope that the results of their other matches go their way.
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