Six teams remain in contention for the World Cup finals with Australia still the only team mathematically guaranteed safe passage.
How the World Cup contenders’ finals hopes look
Australia (14pts, NRR: 1.00 vs South Africa)
Guaranteed of a top-two spot and will finish first if they beat South Africa on Saturday night. Their most likely semi-final combatant remains New Zealand, although it’s possible they could face any of England, Pakistan and Bangladesh.
India (11pts, NRR: 0.85, vs Bangladesh, Sri Lanka)
Still not mathematically assured of a semi-final spot but can be almost certain they will be there. Wins in their last two games will mean they finish first or second. Could only miss the finals if they lose both, England beat New Zealand and there is a significant net run-rate shift against the winner of Bangladesh and Pakistan succeeding by a massive margin.
New Zealand (11pts, NRR: 0.57, vs England)
A win against England will guarantee their semi-final spot but a loss could leave them hanging on other results. Bangladesh shape as their most likely threat for a finals spot on net run-rate, but that would require the Tigers beating both India and Pakistan in their last two games.
England (10pts, NRR: 1.00, vs New Zealand)
Back in the hunt after their defeat of India, but still have a big week ahead. Wednesday’s clash with New Zealand is a virtual must win or otherwise they are relying on other results. Will be knocked out if they lose and Pakistan beat Bangladesh. Alternatively an England loss and Bangladesh wins over India and Pakistan will also spell the hosts’ exit.
Pakistan (9pts, NRR: -0.79 vs Bangladesh)
Now relying on England to lose to New Zealand, making a win over Bangladesh enough to reach the finals. Alternatively they need the Black Caps to be flogged, and in turn they need to win big in their last game to turn the net run-rate around to go ahead of New Zealand.
Bangladesh (7pts, NRR: -0.13 vs India, Pakistan)
Need to win both their games to have any hope. If they do, a New Zealand win over England will guarantee their passage. Alternatively if England win, Bangladesh will need to turn around the net run-rate to go past the Black Caps.
* Sri Lanka, West Indies, South Africa and Afghanistan are all out of contention.
Richard POWELL
Roar Rookie
Did the BCCI cop a huge payday to let England win???? India's bowling - except for Bumrah - seemed to be gifting runs to England, and their batting at the start and the end was so un-India like. Would have been a financial disaster if England were out. Still might be.
Nick
Roar Guru
Just pray for dry weather. It would be an awful shame if Eng v NZ was rained out and that is what decided the top 4.
Nick
Roar Guru
You'll leave that there, and on multiple pages too...
Rob JM
Guest
NRR doesn't matter if England loose and Pakistan win.
Paul
Roar Guru
tough to see the top 4 changing, thanks to the NRR for Pakistan & Bangladesh.
McBumble
Guest
An exciting week coming up! AUS to make the semi finals with only 9 players! (maxwell and stoinis have done nothing) NZ to beat ENG; PAK to beat BANG (in a final over thriller) Indias "narrow" loss last night was a bit fishy. Ill leave that there.
Jack
Guest
Go Bangladesh.