T20 World Cup 2022: Will net run rate play a role in deciding group two qualification?

However, there's also the simple fact that rain has been far too much of a factor in this year's edition of the tournament – four matches have been washed out thus far. 

For fans, that ruins the spectacle and results in a sharing of points, which can affect a team's chances of advancing. 

Not only do points being shared mean a team gets just one point instead of the full two for a win, but it also leads to no change in the net run rate – a crucial factor in deciding who gets to finish where. 

Indeed, the net run rate will likely decide who gets to qualify from group one. Given that three of the four washed-out matches took place in that group, as well as Ireland's shock win against England being decided by the Duckworth Lewis Stern method, the net run rate will be critical to any side's chances of qualifying. 

But could the same happen in group two as well? So far, that group has only seen one washout, but it could well see another rain-affected game when India takes on Bangladesh on November 2 (Wednesday). 

On that day, rain is forecast in the city, and steady showers have been occurring ahead of the match. And while that might be good news for some teams, it isn't for others. 

Bangladesh could benefit from a rain interruption, given their last group game is against Pakistan – a side who have struggled to make a mark on the tournament this season. 

It helps that before Pakistan play their final group game against Bangladesh, they will have to take on South Africa – a team that will pose a much more significant threat. 

In theory, Bangladesh could benefit from a washed-out match against India if Pakistan loses to South Africa. Then all that needs to happen is Bangladesh beating Pakistan, and they'll be on seven points – which could be enough to qualify. 

Zimbabwe will be another side that could benefit from rain, but their final group game is against India – a match that might be too much even for the current side. But they, too, can finish on seven points if they win their next two games. 

However, the team most likely to benefit from the net run rate if they can win their last two games would be Pakistan. Their current NRR is superior to Bangladesh's (–1.533) and Zimbabwe's (–0.050) and only marginally worse than India's (+0.844). 

So as things stand, group one is also headed for a grandstand finish, given that all five teams still in contention have yet to make it through to the semis. 

And net run rate will most likely play a part in deciding who makes it to the next round and who falls agonizingly short.