By Lehlohonolo Lehana.
India’s comprehensive 72 run victory over Zimbabwe on Thursday evening, has confirmed South Africa’s progression to the T20 World Cup semi-finals.
With one more match remaining, a fixture against the Zimbabwe in Delhi this coming Sunday, SA will only play to maintain their unbeaten run into the last four.
Under the captaincy of Aiden Markram, the Proteas have reached the semi-final stage twice, having done so in the 2024 edition. The team has an opportunity to make it to their second-ever World Cup final.
On the other hand, India and the West Indies each have one victory in the Super 8. As a result, Sunday’s fixture between the two teams is virtually a quarter-final, with the winner guaranteed a spot in the semi-final.
As things stand, South Africa top Group 1 of the Super 8 on four points, with India placed in third place, behind the West Indies, who have a superior net run-rate with both on two points.
Meanwhile England have secured a knockout place after defeating Sri Lanka and Pakistan so far and will top the group unless they lose to New Zealand in Colombo on Friday.
New Zealand will progress if they beat England or if that game is rained off as in those scenarios Pakistan would be unable to match their points tally.
If New Zealand lose to England and stay on three points, Pakistan could qualify ahead of them if they then beat Sri Lanka in the final Group 2 game in Pallekele on Saturday.
However, Pakistan have an inferior net run rate to New Zealand at the moment (-0.461 compared to the Black Caps’ +3.050) so would need to win handsomely.
The swing required equates to approximately 70 runs, so New Zealand would need to lose to England by 35 runs and Pakistan beat Sri Lanka by 35 runs for them to be in the ballpark.
New Zealand’s Super 8s game against Pakistan was rained off, with the sides taking a point each from that contest. Sri Lanka are out after losses to England and New Zealand.