ICC Men’s T20 World Cup
Kolkata, Feb 27: The equation is straightforward: win and advance, lose and exit. Yet there remains a third possibility — no result at all.
As the Super 8 stage of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup intensifies, India’s fate hinges on their final Group 1 clash against the West Indies cricket team at Eden Gardens. With the South Africa national cricket team already through to the semifinals, the remaining berth has effectively come down to this encounter.India revived their campaign with a commanding 72-run victory over Zimbabwe in Chennai, ensuring the race would be settled in one decisive contest. Both India and West Indies have a win and a loss each in the Super 8s, standing on two points apiece. However, net run rate separates them — and significantly so.
West Indies boast a healthy +1.791 NRR, placing them second in the group. India, despite their dominant win, trail with -0.100. Should rain wash out Sunday’s fixture, both sides would move to three points, and qualification would then be decided on net run rate. As things stand, that scenario would favour the Caribbean outfit and send India crashing out.
Still, in a tournament defined by fine margins, India’s semifinal hopes may depend as much on clear skies as on crisp execution. (Agencies)
