After the T20 World Cup game between India and USA which is scheduled to be played on Wednesday, one of the two teams in Group A will qualify for the ‘Super 8’ stages of the competition.
India who were crowned champions of 2007 are closing in on their third successive victory that would see them through to the next stage; but you can’t ignore giant-killing ability within USA’s ranks.
Bangladesh, a Test-playing nation that had never lost a bilateral series against any non-Test playing nation, was defeated by USA in preparation for the T20 World Cup. Before this, there was even bigger upset; they had shocked Pakistan in their second group match of the tournament. Earlier than that, it had been victorious against Canada which was its neighbor during opening day.
Like India, USA has won all its matches thus far (two each); however they face the stiffest challenge up to today from Rohit Sharma & Co.
However India emerged victorious with six runs win over archrivals Pakistan in an exciting battle following back-to-back victories by United States over neighbors.
Consequently India (2 matches =4 points NRR +1.455), followed by USA (2 matches=4 points NRR+0.626), Pakistan(3matches=2points NRR +0.191), Canada (3matches=2points NRR -0.493) and Ireland (2matches =0 points NRR -1.712) occupy top position no 1 group A.
So what happens if India beats USA on Wednesday?
IF INDIA WIN
A win for India means semifinals berth as former champions becomes part of South Africa and Australia – only two sides that have qualified for “Super 8s”. With this outcome also Pakistani campaign would receive some fresh impetus after their hard-fought victory over Canada just kept them alive. However, Pakistan will be hoping that India defeat USA by a big margin so that Americans’ run rate is badly affected to bring it down from current higher one of Pakistan.
However, even if the Indians lose to the US, they could progress to the Super 8s by beating Ireland in their last match, this making all other games redundant and eliminating the remaining three teams.
IF USA WIN
If USA’s dream run at the World Cup continues with another victory against hosts this time around, it will pave way for them into the ‘Super 8s’. Nevertheless that result will not go well with Pakistan as well as Canada and Ireland.
But if India gets beaten by United States and then wins their next game against Canada who are a minor team; there will be two teams in Group A which shall qualify for ‘Super 8s’. Thus, as many as three others are out of contention.
