Cricket News: Rain and net run rate: Who is likely to drop out of the T20 World Cup?

Yes, some teams have made their positions better than others – but mathematically, no one team is confirmed to be taking part in the knockout stage of the World Cup. 

So how are all the teams placed right now – and which teams are better placed than others to make it to the final four? Let’s take a look. 

Group one is arguably tighter than Group two, partly because more matches were affected by rain and the first group has teams that are much stronger on paper. 

New Zealand had a match against Afghanistan abandoned due to rain, but the 89-run thrashing of their Trans-Tasmanian rivals Australia means they are best placed in terms of net run rate – they boast an NRR of +2.233, the best in the group by some margin. 

They’re also top of the group with five points and need only a win in their final group game over Ireland to seal their spot in the semis. 

England is in a similar situation in terms of points as they, too, have five points and need only a win in their final game against Sri Lanka to seal the second spot. 

However, where things get hairy for England is that if they lose, their net run rate won’t save them, whereas New Zealand will still be in with a chance if they lose their final game – assuming both England and Australia lose.  

For Sri Lanka, the equation is simple – win, and they’re potentially in. They will leapfrog England with six points but need Australia or New Zealand to lose. 

Ireland is mathematically still in it, but their inferior NRR of –1.544 means they will need a minor miracle to qualify for the next round. 

In Group two, things looked simple until Pakistan contrived to hand South Africa their first tournament loss. Now things are suddenly very interesting heading into the final round of matches. 

India and South Africa are first and second with six and five points, respectively. And all they need to do is win their final group games against Zimbabwe and Netherlands, respectively, to keep things that way. 

However, Pakistan and Bangladesh are third and fourth, respectively, with four points each. And, as fate would have it, they face each other in their final group game. 

Whichever of them wins their final match will be able to capitalize if South Africa somehow slips up against the Netherlands. 

And before we write that off as impossible, let us remember that South Africa hasn’t earned the tag of ‘chokers’ in ICC tournaments for nothing – they contrive to lose the plot even in situations that have favoured them. 

Nevertheless, this group is still easier to call than Group one – but if an upset happens, let’s say it won’t be too surprising.