The Super 12 Round of the seventh edition of the Twenty20 World Cup started on October 23. The remaining matches of the tournament will be held in the UAE. Twelve teams are battling for a spot in the semifinals. There appears to be a lot of competition in group 1. On the contrary, Pakistan's position in the semifinals is all but assured from group 2. Let’s find out which teams from each group have a stronger chance of making the semi-finals of ICC T20 World Cup 2021.
The favorites in each group to advance to the semifinals
Group 1
The group 1 teams are Bangladesh, Australia, England, West Indies, South Africa, and Sri Lanka. Let’s take a look at the positions of each team in group 1.
Source: https://www.espncricinfo.com/
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England
One of the favorites, England are currently in the first position in Group 1 with two wins in two games. They have three more matches to play in the Super 12 round. If England win at least one of their remaining matches, they will qualify for the semifinals.
Verdict: 1st place
Remaining Fixtures: Australia (October 30); Sri Lanka (November 1); South Africa (November 6)
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Sri Lanka
The Sri Lankan team is full of confidence after four consecutive victories in the tournament. However, they must win two or more of their remaining games to qualify for the semifinals, which will be very tough for them.
Verdict: Third place
Remaining Fixtures: Australia (October 28); South Africa (October 30); England (November 1), West Indies (November 4)
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Australia
Australia got off to a strong start by defeating South Africa. This Australian team isn't the best in the world, but they have enough talent to progress to the semifinals.
Verdict: second place
Remaining Fixtures: Sri Lanka (October 28); England (October 30); Bangladesh (November 4), West Indies (November 6)
South Africa
After losing the first match against Australia, the proteas national team made a fantastic comeback in their second game against West Indies. However, finishing in the top two in the points standings will be extremely difficult for South Africa.
Verdict: fourth place
Remaining Fixtures: Sri Lanka (October 30); Bangladesh (November 2); England (November 6)
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Bangladesh
After losing two straight matches in the super 12 round, Bangladesh's biggest achievement in this round will be to win a match. Therefore, the most important aim will be to defeat the West Indian team.
Verdict: Sixth place
Remaining Fixtures: West Indies (October 29); South Africa (November 2); Australia (November 4)
West Indies
The two-time World Cup winner West Indies are struggling to find their rhythm as a team in this tournament. They have lost their first two games against England and South Africa, respectively. The Windies have a slim chance of making it to the last four.
Verdict: Fifth place
Remaining Fixtures: Bangladesh (October 29); Sri Lanka (November 4); Australia (November 6)
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Group 2
The group 2 teams are India, Pakistan, Afghanistan, New Zealand, Namibia, and Scotland. Let’s take a look at the positions of each team in group 2.
Source: https://www.espncricinfo.com/
Pakistan
Pakistan shocked everyone after a thrashing of India in their T20 World Cup opener on October 24. They also snatched a stunning win over New Zealand, putting them in a strong position to advance to the semifinals. Pakistan need a win to secure a place in the semifinals, and their upcoming fixtures will be against weaker opponents.
Verdict: 1st place
Remaining Fixtures: Afghanistan (October 29); Namibia (November 2); Scotland (November 7)
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Afghanistan
Afghanistan's ICC T20 World Cup 2021 campaign began with a resounding 130-run victory over Scotland. This Afghan team has some excellent players and can upset any team in the world on their day. However, with India and New Zealand having superior squads than them, securing a spot in the semifinals will be really hard.
Verdict: Fourth Place
Remaining Fixtures: Pakistan (October 29); Namibia (October 31); India (November 3), New Zealand (November 7)
Namibia
Namibia defeated Scotland in their Super 12 round opener. Their biggest success in this round will be finishing ahead of Scotland in the points standings.
Verdict: Fifth place
Remaining Fixtures: Afghanistan (October 31); Pakistan (November 2); New Zealand (November 5), India (November 8)
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New Zealand
New Zealand must defeat India in order to advance to the semifinals after losing their Super 12 opener against Pakistan. Therefore, the match between India and New Zealand could be the most appealing.
Verdict: Third place
Remaining Fixtures: India (October 31); Scotland (November 3); Namibia (November 5); Afghanistan (November 7)
India
India are under pressure after losing their first match against arch-rival Pakistan. However, India have a very strong squad, and they will undoubtedly come back in their next match against New Zealand. India are still hot favorites to advance to the semifinals from this group.
Verdict: Second place
Remaining Fixtures: New Zealand (October 31); Afghanistan (November 3); Scotland (November 5); Namibia (November 8)
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Scotland
The Scottish team played well in the qualifying round. They won all of their fixtures to finish first in group B in the qualifiers. Scotland had high hopes of beating Namibia and Afghanistan in the Super 12 round. However, they lost both matches and are likely to finish bottom in Group 2 points table.
Verdict: Sixth place
Remaining Fixtures: New Zealand (November 3); India (November 5); Pakistan (November 7)
Verdict
After breaking down each team's current standings, it is evident that England and Australia have a higher chance of progressing to the semifinals from Group 1. Sri Lanka and South Africa will fight tooth and nail for a spot in the knockout round. On the other hand, Pakistan are in a commanding position of Group 2 and will most likely finish first in the standings. India, New Zealand, and Afghanistan all have a fair chance to proceed to the last four from this group. Hopefully, the deserving teams will advance to the semifinals of ICC T20 World Cup 2021.
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