Just 6 matches into the Super 8 stage and the race to the semi-finals has gotten really interesting. Where in Group 1 which consists of Australia, India, Bangladesh, and Afghanistan, the top two team teams appear to be quite obvious just after one match, the scenario of Group 2 consisting of South Africa, West Indies, England, and the United States has only gotten more thrilling and tricky after the first two matches of all four teams.
Currently, South Africa is on top of their group with two consecutive wins, followed by West Indies with one win in two matches, and after it is England also with just two points. On the other hand, the USA is stuck at the bottom of the points table with two straight losses. At the first glance, it appears as if the Proteas and Winides are the clear candidates to seal the semi-final two spots but the Three-lions are in a really great position and are somewhat better than the two teams above it.
Group 2 Super 8 campaign so far
South Africa won their first two matches against the United States and England. They currently have a net run rate of +0.625. West Indies did lose their first Super 8 match against England but their dominant 9-wicket win against USA have given them a major NRR boost and is currently +1.814, which is better than the rest of the teams.
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On the other hand, England won their first game against West Indies but a loss against South Africa have kept their NRR at +0.412. USA lost both their games and with a negative net run rate, they are practically out of the semi-final race.
How ENG have better chances to reach semis than SA and WI?
England will be playing their final Super 8 game against the USA. They are obviously the clear favorite to win that match. In the other game, South Africa will be colliding against West Indies. If England beat the USA by a decent margin then the SA vs WI clash will sort of be a knockout. If England beat the US and SA beat WI. England will qualify for the semis and even if WI beat SA, ENG still would have a big chance to seal the semis spot with a win against the USA.
If rain causes a washout during SA vs WI match, both teams will have to share a point and this will ensure Proteas' qualification but will put the Windies in a spot of bother. England then also be in a comfortable position to reach the semis. If England lose their game against the US, they would have to hope that SA beat WI by a huge margin and that their NRR falls below to the English side.
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