who will reach the ICC T20 World Cup Semifinal: This World Cup is a roller coaster ride that we did not sign up for but we surely are enjoying. It started from day 1 when Sri Lanka lost to Namibia and continued when we saw West Indies’ exit. We thought all the thrill was over but then we had Australia’s big loss to New Zealand. This was all topped by England’s loss to Ireland.
In a seemingly one-sided match, before it started, England was all in for the win. The team probably took Ireland too lightly. They did not bother to prepare themselves for the clash. They also had pretty bad luck but this changes a lot of things for the whole of Group 1.
All the cricket pundits must be in the hiding after the result and will be looking for what things might change and which team will qualify. The prediction might again go wrong but we will be at work. Let’s take a look at what to expect in Group 1 now:
New Zealand
Their next clash is against Sri Lanka who has on 29th. The team sits comfortably at the top with such a high NRR, they wouldn’t know what to do with them. Rain played folly in their contest against Afghanistan. They now have 3 points having played 2 matches. But their arch-rival AUS and ENG only have 2 so they are in a comfortable position. All they need is wins. They can afford a loss given their high NRR but they shouldn’t take things easy. They should be on their toes all the time.
Sri Lanka
Placed 2nd in the group, the Sri Lanka team has played 2 matches winning 1 and losing 1. Their loss against Australia would have put them under pressure. The condition of other big teams in the group definitely has brought them a cushion but that might not last for long. Their match against New Zealand will be crucial when the teams meet on Saturday. If they win the match, all they would need is to win against England. If they do, this group will need another upset to stop them from reaching T20 World Cup Semifinal. As for now, they need to take care of their player injury and focus on Saturday’s game.
England
After having a convincing win in the first match they were in a good position. All expected them to win against Ireland and solidify their position at number 1 or 2 position. But, Ireland had other plans for them and they were not ready for it. Now, England needs to win all their matches. They can afford a loss but not with a big margin. Their match against Australia on 28th will be their most crucial match in this journey. Both teams will be fighting for their position and it might act like an eliminator.
Ireland
We thought Sri Lanka is the only unpredictable team in the Group but here we have Ireland. It feels that they have some extra rivalry with their neighbors England that they do not spare a breather to them in ICC tournaments. They repeated 2011 WC history by beating the English again. Their future matchups are tough ones and they may not have the best chances to win the match but they would hope to continue their good run and give fighting competition to group members.
Australia
The presumed winners to the tournament are in the pit of Group 1. Their defeat against New Zealand was so humiliating that it felt like their journey in the World Cup has reached the end. All they need is one loss to be out and all the wins to qualify. The luck is with the host team that England lost the game against Ireland. That puts them in a comfortable position. Their next match against England on Saturday will be a decider. They will have to put their everything and win the match anyhow if they wish to continue their hunt to defend the title.
Afghanistan
They would have considered themselves unlucky to have found themselves placed in Group 1. The competition here is already intense and now they have a rival in Ireland which was supposed to be the only team critics would have thought they will be able to beat easily. Ireland will be favorite to win the match against them. Their chances to qualify are almost nil after a loss and a washout.
This group needs to give us a breather. The upcoming matches are going to be intense and we might not be ready for that. But, from what we have witnessed till now, we should be accustomed to surprises or rather look forward to them. Let’s see what happens ahead. Be ready for more drama coz the teams are no less dramatic heroes.
