T20 World Cup 2021 qualification scenarios: Here’s how India can still reach the semi-finals

Are India out of the semi-final race in T20 World Cup 2021? Not entirely! However, the Men in Blue will now depend upon hopes and calculation. Virat Kohli’s men suffered humiliating defeats in their first two assignments in the competition and are subsequently earning criticism from different corners. While their batters haven’t been able to showcase resistance of challenging UAE wickets, the bowlers have been short of wickets.

Hence, many reckon India don’t deserve to qualify for the next stage after such a disappointing display. Notably, the inaugural-season champions seemed pretty solid in the warm-up matches, defeating big teams Australia and England handsomely. Many members of the cricket fraternity even backed them to get the glory this year. However, things took an astonishing turnaround in the Super 12 stage.

India suffered a humiliating 10-wicket defeat against arch-rivals Pakistan in their first outing. This defeat also brought an end to India’s unbeaten streak against the Men in Green in World Cup events. While the Virat Kohli-led side was expected to put up a better show against the Kiwis, the troop disappointed once again and lost the game by eight wickets.

With Pakistan winning their first three games, they are certain to qualify for the playoffs. Hence, only other team from Group 2 can join Babar Azam’s men in the knock-outs. India’s remaining three league-stage games are against Afghanistan, Namibia, and Scotland. Virat Kohli’s men just not need to win these games comprehensively but will also have to depend upon other results.

Meanwhile, let’s look at how India can still qualify for T20 World Cup 2021 semi-final:

Condition 1: With India suffering defeats in their first two games, one more defeat would officially knock them out of the competition. Hence, their primary aim should be winning their all three games and taking their tally to a maximum of six points. Not to forget, India’s net run rate is -1.609, only better than last-placed team Scotland (-3.562).

Hence, the inaugural edition champions need to register victories with massive margins in order to keep their hopes of qualifying for the next stage alive. While the Men in Blue would back themselves to beat Scotland and Namibia without much hassle, they can face a formidable challenge against Afghanistan.

Condition 2: As mentioned above, India don’t have matters in their own hands anymore. Alongside winning the three games handsomely, they have to pray for other results falling in their favour. As Pakistan’s place in the next stage is pretty certain, New Zealand and Afghanistan are the biggest threat to India.

As Afghanistan won two of their first three games, India will have to restrict the Mohmmad Nabi-led side to a maximum of six points by defeating them. However, the Men in Blue also need New Zealand losing one of their remaining three games. The Kiwis are slated to play Namibia, Scotland and Afghanistan.

With Namibia and Scotland being associate teams, Afghanistan seem the only team that can dent New Zealand’s campaign. The two sides will be locking horns in November 7. In case, Afghanistan defeat the Kane Williamson-led side, India, Afghanistan and New Zealand will be tied at six points. Hence, if India have a best net run rate among the three sides, they will go through.