ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2022

T20 World Cup Predictions: Which Teams May Reach Semifinals

India and New Zealand are clear favourites, but many teams are still in the close race

By Nidheesh
World Cup Twitter/@ICC

T20 World Cup 2022 has been thoroughly entertaining for cricket fans across the globe. Despite rain intervals, the tournament has offered high-voltage entertainment to its followers. Interestingly, none of the teams have been far too dominant in the Group Stages. Each team suffered a loss, which means the semifinal chances are still wide open in both the groups. 

In Group 1, New Zealand is the front-runner to enter the semis. They have a staggering +2.333 net run rate, and unless they suffer a surprise defeat against Ireland, they can walk into the last four. However, a defeat from vivacious Ireland may put their chances in grey. This is a possibility if both England and Australia win their remaining fixtures. However, the advantage is with the Kiwis to finish as table toppers. 

Will Australia get through?

Australia has a game against Afghanistan, and they will have to win the game by a big margin. If Australia wins, and either Kiwis or England lose, it’ll book a ticket for the hosts to enter the last four.

England has a superb NRR but would face a stiff challenge from the inconsistent Lankans who can pull off an upset. But the 2019 World Cup winners are the second favourites to get to the next level. Theoretically, Sri Lanka is also in with a chance, but their fortunes would depend on NRR and other teams’ results. They also have to beat England to level in points.

Where does India stand in the World Cup?

Among all the teams, India has recorded the most wins after four matches. They simply need to register a win against Zimbabwe to finish on top of the table. A rain-affected washout can also take them through, courtesy of the NRR. 

Meanwhile, South Africa is second in Group 2 with 5 points. They could have made it to the semis if they had won the Thursday game against Pakistan. But they lose by a big margin. Bavuma’s men need to defeat the Netherlands in the last match to march into the semis. 

What about Pakistan?

Pakistan is in with an outside chance in Group 2. They would look to register a strong win against Bangladesh to keep their hopes alive. However, their last-ball loss to India dented the crucial two points. The unexpected loss against Zimbabwe also hurt their position.

If the results reverse, the NRR could act as a deciding factor. If India loses to Zimbabwe and Pakistan beat Bangladesh, the latter may march ahead with superior NRR.

T20 World Cup has been thoroughly exciting in the first two weeks. Cricket fans would hope the rain stays away and teams march ahead based on their performances. 

 

Nidheesh 59 posts

Nidheesh is a sports writer. He writes for a living. Cricket is his favourite sport but he treats all games equally. Cinema, music, internet, books, travelling, and gardening are his other interests.

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