CT 2017, Group B: How Pakistan and Sri Lanka can become the table-toppers

England finished as the table-toppers by winning in all the three games of the Group A in the Champions Trophy by 3 points margin over the next semi-finalist from their group, Bangladesh. However, Group B’s table topper is yet to finalize as both the teams qualifying from their group will be having same points separated by the NRR.

However, after a huge win over the South Africans, India have almost confirmed their finish as table-toppers of the Group B. In an unlikely scenario, either of Sri Lanka and Pakistan could go past India’s NRR which is possible only by breaking records of the biggest wins in the ODI cricket.

The team winning the Pakistan-Sri Lanka game might not finish as table-toppers if they chase as they need to achieve the run rate of over 20 to chase and go past India’s NRR.

However, the both sides will be having a better chance while defending but need something special from them to achieve India’s net run rate. Sri Lanka to go past India’s NRR, they will need to score at least 294 runs (and have to bowl out Pakistan for 0), which would be the biggest ever margin in ODI cricket if the win by that big margin. Though Pakistan’s NRR is behind that of Sri Lanka’s, they will need to score at least 267 runs (if they can bowl out Sri Lanka for 0) in order to go past India’s NRR since their previous game was a rain affected one.

In case one of these teams failing to do the above, they will be playing the first semi-final against England at the Cardiff on 14th June while India and Bangladesh will take on each other on 15th June at Edgbaston.

Winning margin required for Sri Lanka to become table topper depending on their first innings total:

Winning margin required for Pakistan to become table topper depending on their first innings total:

Update after first innings – Pakistan need to chase 237 in or before 10 overs or else need to hit a six at scores level by 10.5 overs to become the table toppers. Sri Lanka can’t top the Group B if they win.