T20 World Cup 2021: Here's How Team India Can Still Qualify For Semi-Finals After Win Over Afghanistan

Even if team India wins all three matches, their chances of reaching the semis will depend on the outcome of Afghanistan vs New Zealand match.

New Delhi: Team India's arch-rivals Pakistan have confirmed its place in the ICC Men's T20 World Cup semi-finals from Group-2, but the suspense continues about which team will become the 2nd side to make it to the semi-finals from this group. India, New Zealand and Afghanistan are all currently battling against each other in this race.

Afghanistan and Indian cricket team's chances of reaching the semis are very thin. Kane Williamson-led New Zealand is currently in a very strong position. India and New Zealand have played three games each while Afghanistan have played four matches. Let us understand how Team India can reach the semi-finals.

Team India has to play its remaining two matches against Scotland and Namibia. After losing by 10 wickets against Pakistan and by eight wickets against New Zealand, team India's net run-rate has become very low. After an emphatic 66-run win over Afghanistan, India slightly improved its net run-rate but this hasn't made a much big difference.

To reach semis, India will have to win the remaining two matches by a big margin and if India bats first, they will have to win by at least 60-70 runs. If India bowls first in their upcoming match, they have to chase the target by losing fewer wickets and inside less overs.

Today, New Zealand is slated to take on Namibia. If Namibia defeats New Zealand, Kiwis will have two defeats in Group 2 which will benefit India. Even if India wins all three matches, their chances of reaching the semis will depend on the outcome of Afghanistan vs New Zealand match. India will hope Afghanistan registers a win over New Zealand else it's all over for India in T20 World Cup 2021.

If Afghanistan beats New Zealand, India, New Zealand and Afghanistan will end up having six points each in their kitty by the end of league stage and then the team with the highest net run rate among the three teams will reach the semi-finals. If New Zealand wins both their remaining matches, they will make it to the semi-finals and India's campaign in this year's World Cup will come to an end.