South Africa have been unbeaten in the ongoing T20 World Cup 2024 but they have not been able to dominate teams. Four out of five games South Africa have played turned out to be close encounters. South Africa have registered wins in their first two Super 8 encounters as well. However, with just one defeat against West Indies, they can be out of the semifinals race.
South Africa beat USA by 18 runs in their first Super 8 encounter in Antigua. In their second clash, they held their nerves against the defending champions England and won by just seven runs. Currently, they are placed at the top of the Group 2. However, co-hosts West Indies’ massive nine-wicket win with 55 balls to spare against USA has put South Africa’s semifinal qualification chances in jeopardy.
How South Africa can qualify or get knocked out
South Africa are currently at the top of the table with a net run rate (NRR) of +0.625. West Indies' NRR skyrocketed to +1.814 with a win against USA. If the Rovman Powell-led side beats South Africa, they will automatically qualify for the semifinals. South Africa’s best chance of qualifying is that they beat West Indies.
If they lose to West Indies, they will depend on the clash between defending champions England and USA. If USA manage to pull off another upset and met Jos Buttler’s men, then South Africa and West Indies will progress. South Africa can qualify even if England beat USA but by a small margin. England’s NRR is + 0.412.
USA out of playoff race
USA can qualify for the semifinal in case of a miracle. They need South Africa to beat West Indies, and England to lose them by a massive margin. The probability of these two things going in their favour is highly unlikely.
South Africa’s chance to end the streak
South Africa have qualified for the semifinal of T20 World Cup in two editions. The last time they progressed to the semifinals was in 2014 when the T20 World Cup took place in Bangladesh.
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