How Do The Potential Semifinalists Look In T20 WC 2022
It has been one of the most intriguing T20 World Cups of all time. The gap between top teams has seemingly reduced in this World Cup. There were plenty of upsets in the league stage with three games still to be played. Let us look into How Do The Potential Semifinalists Look In T20 WC 2022?
The top two teams from group 1 have been decided. New Zealand and England are the two teams who have made it through. The kiwis who topped the group will play the first semifinal in Sydney. England will play their semifinal at Adelaide.
We analyze how these two teams fare and who could be their potential matchups in the semifinals:
#1 New Zealand
They have been the form team of the tournament. New Zealand started its campaign with a bang. They stunned the hosts and defending champions, Australia in the opening game. It was their winning margin of 89 that became the talking point. It was this margin that effectively ruled Australia out of the tournament.
The Kiwis did drop against a game against England but bounced back to win against Ireland. There was no surprise that they topped the group. New Zealand has now made it to three consecutive T20 World Cup semi-finals. They look clinical and are ‘favourites’ at this stage to lift the trophy.
#2 England
They started their campaign on a solid note defeating Afghanistan. England had to share points with Australia as the game was called off. They suffered a stutter when they lost to Ireland in a rain-affected game. England had to win both their remaining games to stay in contention for the knockouts. They managed to do just that.
Similar to New Zealand, England too has made it to the semis thrice in a row now. They are likely to face India in the semifinal if the latter defeat Zimbabwe in their last league match. England arguably has the most balanced side of all the teams remaining in the competition.
#3 South Africa
They have all but one foot in the knockouts. South Africa along with Pakistan has the best pace attack in the competition. They used this strength to great effect when they defeated India at Perth. Pakistan though humbled the Proteas in the next game leaving them to win their remaining game against the Netherlands. South Africa is expected to sail through considering its firepower.
If both South Africa and India win their last league game then South Africa will go on to play New Zealand in the first semifinal. It might well be the rematch of the 2015 ODI World Cup semifinal. South Africa in 2022 does look more lethal as compared to the bout 7 years ago.
#4 India
They have been involved in 3 exciting games of Super 12s. India managed to win on two occasions and went on to lose once in their last over wins. Their victory over arch-rivals Pakistan in the opening game remains one of the finest moments of the World Cup. India brushed aside the Dutch challenge with relative ease. They came up short against a fiery South African pace attack.
India kept their cool in a tense game against neighbours Bangladesh in a high-voltage thriller. If they pip Zimbabwe then India will go on to top group 2. They could also become the first side this World Cup to have won 4 games in super 12. India will likely face England in the second seminal. Expect fireworks at Adelaide!
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