T20 World Cup 2021: Here's how India can qualify for the semi-finals after Afghanistan win

India are breathing slightly better after their thumping 66-run victory over Afghanistan in a must-win affair. Having lost to Pakistan and New Zealand in the previous two encounters, Virat Kohli and Co. cannot afford another slip-up, with all their remaining games being do or die clashes.

However, the situation is dire enough that even victories in the next two games – against Scotland and Namibia – will not seal a spot for India, who would pray that New Zealand loses at least one of their remaining two games. The probable contender to give New Zealand a fight are Afghanistan.

India’s best bet remains to win their games with big margins to take care of their net run rate, which has been pushed into the positive after their Afghanistan triumph. Should New Zealand lose one of their games, both teams will be tied on six points, with net run rate becoming the decisive factor for qualification. From the second group, Pakistan have booked their berth with four victories on the trot. They play Scotland in the final encounter.

As for the first group, England have qualified with four wins in as many games, but their encounter against South Africa will be keenly watched by Australia. The Proteas, after losing to Australia in their tournament opener, have won three on the bounce and are sitting pretty at the second position, followed by Australia.

Australia made a brilliant start themselves, winning two games in a row, but a heavy defeat by eight wickets against England has wiped off whatever they gained. For them to qualify, not only they need to defeat Bangladesh and West Indies but also pray that South Africa loses to England. South Africa, meanwhile, will be surely through if they beat England, but will be knocked out if they lose and Australia win both their remaining games.

With four losses on the bounce, Bangladesh have been knocked out, as have Sri Lanka, who have lose three out of four. Defending champions West Indies have two games remaining, although their net run rate of -1.598 means they need massive victories in the coming games, apart from hoping South Africa slips heavily against England and Australia beat Bangladesh by a small margin.