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The ICC T20 World Cup has entered week 2. There are a few teams that have ticked the boxes and a few teams that have misfired this year. Where does each team look after the first week? As per the form, India and New Zealand have done well than the other teams.
A triple-header will shake up the #T20WorldCup standings today, but which teams will push closer to a semi-final berth?
Group 2 state of play ➡️ https://t.co/KdhQkRpde9 pic.twitter.com/XF6lPrDgq7
— ICC (@ICC) October 30, 2022
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Interestingly, both teams did not perform great in the run-up to the World Cup. They both had many areas of concern. But they answered it well.
Indian fans can feel happy
There is a reason to rejoice for Indian fans. Their World Cup dreams are on track. Rohit Sharma and his men have won the first two games in Australia. They have a superior run rate. The bowling is also up to the mark.
Perth set to witness clash between Group 2 table toppers — can South Africa stop the Indian juggernaut?#INDvSA | #T20WorldCuphttps://t.co/Hki3GaXj23
— ICC (@ICC) October 29, 2022
As coach Vikram Rathour pointed out, two games are just a small sample. There are three more games to go and they need a couple more wins to cruise into the last four. However, they have made the best possible start.
South Africa is another team that has set a mark. It would be an interesting battle when the two teams lock horns on Sunday evening.
South Africa makes a strong start
Other than India, the team is likely to get to the semifinal in South Africa. After two matches, they won a game, and another match got washed out by the rain. Had it not occurred, South Africa would have made it two out of two. Because they were in a winning position in the match against Zimbabwe.
A pivotal day in Group 2 with every team involved in a #T20WorldCup triple-header 😍
Who are you cheering for today?#BANvZIM | #NEDvPAK | #INDvSA pic.twitter.com/HLRP7suAE4
— ICC (@ICC) October 30, 2022
The Zimbabwe cricket team is also checking in after an upset win against Pakistan in their last match. Their run rate is high but not as high as that of South Africa.
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Meanwhile, Pakistan and the Netherlands look down and out after two games. They can’t think of the semifinals unless they get the benefit of the run rate. So is the case with Bangladesh, which suffered a heavy loss.
Frontrunners from Group 2: India and South Africa
Outsider chance: Zimbabwe
New Zealand favourites from Group 1 in World Cup
Kane Williamson and his men did not approach the World Cup with the best of form. But the Blackcaps, like always, click in the ICC tournament. In the Saturday game, Glenn Phillips’ century and Trent Boult’s impressive outing helped them to clinch a big win over Sri Lanka.
What does New Zealand's emphatic victory over Sri Lanka mean for the rest of the teams in Group 1?#T20WorldCup https://t.co/bHyUkmm6Hn
— ICC (@ICC) October 29, 2022
After three games, New Zealand won two games while one game was washed out by the rains. At +3.850, the Kiwis have the best run rate in the tournament so far.
Meanwhile, another favourite from the group to enter the big clash is England. Jos Buttler and his men have set a fine beginning but need to win their two remaining matches.
Last year’s winners Australia yet to impress in World Cup
The tournament hosts, Australia, do not have a good net run rate. They lost their first match against New Zealand by a big margin. Now they stand at -1.555. Finch and his men must win the remaining two games by a convincing margin to stand a chance for the last four spots.
With one win, one loss, and one washout, Ireland has a slight chance of reaching the last four. But like Zimbabwe, they too have only an outsider possibility.
Frontrunners from Group 1: New Zealand, England
Outsider chance: Ireland, Australia
Will India meet New Zealand in the final? Can they respond to the 2019 World Cup semifinal defeat? November 13 will provide an answer.
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