World Cup organisers face a second half of the tournament plagued with potential dead rubbers with the race for semi-finals already seemingly down to five.
Australia, India, New Zealand and England already appear likely to be semi-finals bound, while Bangladesh could still mount a late charge after their defeat of West Indies on Monday.
South Africa, Pakistan, Sri Lanka and Bangladesh are still mathematical chances, but would likely need to win all their remaining games – meaning their faint hopes could be extinguished this week.
Afghanistan, tipped by many to be a banana-skin game for many of the world’s best, are yet to win a game.
It comes after the ICC moved to a 10-team World Cup this year after 14 countries played in the 2015 tournament.
At the time, the organisation claimed the move was to get rid of the “window dressing”.
The move also allowed the tournament to get rid of the group stages, meaning all teams play each other before the finals for the first time in its history.
Despite that, the tightest games of the tournament so far have been Pakistan’s 14-run win over England and New Zealand’s effort to scrape home by two wickets against Bangladesh.
Four of the remaining 21 matches could now have no influence on the finals, which don’t begin until July 9.
West Indies’ clashes with Sri Lanka and Afghanistan threaten to have no bearing, as does Afghanistan against Pakistan and South Africa’s clash with Sri Lanka.
South Africa’s date with Pakistan at Lord’s on Sunday could fall into the same category, but at least has the added interest that the loser is officially out of contention.
Australia at least have a big finish coming up, with games against England and New Zealand to play a big role in determining their finishing position for the finals after Thursday’s clash with Bangladesh.
They also have a dangerous South Africa to finish in Manchester, before first plays fourth and second meets third in the semi-finals to decide who walks out onto Lord’s in the final on July 14.
Ben
Guest
Which player is interested in a bollywood career???
dat
Roar Rookie
Pakistan fans have still not given up hope though,some are still clinging on to the off chance, England messes it up at the end. England have the most number of tough fixtures remaining ,among all the 10 teams, with them still having to face off against the 3 likely semifinalists . Unlikely as it maybe,if they lose those 3 big matches,south africa,or pakistan by winning all their remaining matches or Bangladesh by winning 3 out 4 can knock them out of the tournament. India meanwhile looks to have the easiest route to the semis with only england on paper likely to challenge them.Even if they lose that match,they could either beat 2 of the other 4 teams(Afgan,Sri lanka,Windies,Bangladesh) or have all 4 matches washed away and still likely qualify.
Doctor Rotcod
Roar Rookie
The fixture has meant that England plays none of the other putative top four until match 32, while India had NZ and Australia
The Bush
Roar Guru
Bangladesh is certainly the remaining unknown. But if they lose to Australia, and the other results this week go the way they're expected to, specifically NZ beating RSA, Eng beating Sri Lanka and Ind beating AFG, then essentially the remaining group games are meaningless, as it would take a miracle for any of the other six teams to make it. That means we'll have two weeks about about 15 games that are essentially meaningless.
Jeff
Roar Rookie
Agreed. See my comment above.
Jeff
Roar Rookie
Having watched all of Bangladesh's batting innings last night I am now very concerned at AUS prospects on Thursday. It was sublime to watch and to chase down 322 in just 41.3 overs and 3 wickets down...incredible. Tamim and Litton never looked like getting out and Tamim's dismissal (run out) was pure magic from Cottrell, nothing Tamim could have done about that. And as for Shakib, that batting display was just frightening. I can't recall seeing a team with such great backfoot play, hand/wrist control yet power hitting all combined in one. Add to that their ability to rotate their body and play around the corner. They really stepped it up last night and could have a power finish to the group stage. AUS may be best playing both Lyon and Zampa (and get 10 from Maxwell), because from what I saw last night and what I have seen from NCN, Richardson and even Behrendorff, I think our lower tier bowlers will get cleaned up. Consider this: If BAN were to get over AUS on Thursday, BAN would be on 7 points from 6 games and AUS would be on 8 points from 6 games. Remaining games after that: BAN: AFG, IND, PAK (2 wins?) - 11 Points (end group stage) AUS: ENG, NZL, SAF (1-2 wins?) - 10-12 points ENG and IND will make it and NZL has a good run home (already 7 points from 4 games. Remaining: SAF, WIN, AUS, ENG (2-3 wins?) - 11-13 points I wouldn't be ruling out Bangladesh yet - Thursday night will could well be a key decider for both teams. A real danger game for AUS.
Brainstrust
Roar Rookie
South Africa the problem they have is while they produce some of the greatest cricketers they just dont have a big cricket following and that doesn;t generate a lot of revenue. Cricket was a game played and followed by the English South Africans traditionally. The next biggest followers the sub continent Asian community were excluded and had their own team. That they get 60% of their domestic cricket revenue from India, and furthermore their local T20 league is entirely dependent on Indian TV deals or they are cancelled. Their best player and top fielder is more interested in a Bollywood career, their is no issue playing in the IPL and for South Africa.Their best bowler for English conditions is Abbott who is locked into playing county cricket becuase he is more valuable in that format than the IPL so he then cant play for South Africa
DTM
Guest
Australia cannot afford to lose or draw with Bangladesh - our last 3 games (Eng, NZ and SA) are no locks. I'm sure SA would take great delight in knocking us out of the tournament if they get the opportunity.
Paul
Roar Guru
Prior to the tournament starting, the talk was around 5 teams being a chance for the finals - the current top 4 and South Africa. Pakistan was discounted after the hammerings they took from Australia & England. South Africa proved not up to speed, so we're down to 4 sides, which should not be a surprise. I'm also wondering whether it matters of games have no bearing on the finals makeup. ALL teams will still want to win and there will hopefully be some outstanding individual cricket to enjoy.