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Cricket fans in Australia witnessed three weeks of high drama. There is one more to go before deciding on the ultimate winners of the World Cup. Asia Cup champions Sri Lanka and World Cup winners Australia already crashed out of the tournament. Former two-time winners, the Windies did not qualify for the Super 12. Pakistan is uncertain about its semifinal hopes. Yes, this tournament has been unpredictable so far.
Group 1 is done and dusted at the #T20WorldCup
💔 Heartbreak for Australia
🏏 Top two confirmed
❓ Which venues for the semis?Everything you need to know about the final standings and what they mean in Group 1 👇https://t.co/uo4E6IbZLY
— ICC (@ICC) November 5, 2022
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Sunday will put an end to the speculations about the semifinal lineups. From Group 1, New Zealand and England clinched two spots in the last four. The excitement lasted until the last game of the league. Notably, England prevailed over a fighting Afghanistan by four wickets to win the berth.
In Group 2, India and South Africa were the favourites. However, Bavuma and his men crashed out after a remarkable loss to the Netherlands. As result, Pakistan and Bangladesh are in the race for the semis.
India and New Zealand have a better chance?
T20 cricket is all about uncertainties. A ball can swing the match. Both India and New Zealand started off their campaign on a stunning note. Even though both teams did not display their real potential and issues remain, they seem to identify how to bounce back from negative circumstances. This makes the two teams likely favourites to march into the final.
Only two teams can progress 🤔
Who will qualify for the semi-finals from Group 2?#T20WorldCup pic.twitter.com/VLLj6s8VCi
— ICC (@ICC) November 5, 2022
However, a decent show so far would not guarantee them any chance to kiss the cup. Both teams would have to continue A Game and fill the missing gaps, such as middle-order woes, out-of-form players, and overreliance on star players, to keep the winning momentum.
South Africa surrenders World Cup dreams
South Africans started the tournament with a bang. However, the loss against Pakistan has exposed their weaknesses in the lineup. Bavuma and his men needed up their game in order to stand a chance to win the cup. However, their lack of consistency and the nature of failing in crucial circumstances came into the picture yet again. They lost by 13 runs to the Netherlands. They crashed out, surprisingly.
England seal their spot in the #T20WorldCup 2022 semi-finals 🤩
They have now made it to the last four in three successive editions of the tournament! 👏 pic.twitter.com/7RS7qwNgA6
— ICC (@ICC) November 5, 2022
Meanwhile, England has come into the tournament with the best lineup that suited the demands of this format. However, the middle order still has issues to resolve. The advantage that worked in their belt is the death-over bowling. Openers Jos Buttler and Alex Hales, and all-rounder Ben Stokes are shining. So is Sam Curran. England is yet to peak, but fans may believe they have reserved it for the last two clashes.
Anrich Nortje produced the most economical bowling spell in the Super 12 stage of #T20WorldCup 2022 🙌#SAvNED | 📝 https://t.co/4UJVijHlTA pic.twitter.com/8KJRMFUA24
— ICC (@ICC) November 6, 2022
All these three teams have a chance for the title. Pakistan is also in with hope as they are unpredictable. This edition of the World Cup is exciting because there are no favourites yet.
