Australia has become the first team to secure a spot in the semi-finals of the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2024. While Australia is already through, the competition for the remaining three semi-final spots is heating up, with six teams still in the race. Group A sees India, New Zealand, and Pakistan battling for the second spot, while Group B’s contenders are West Indies, South Africa, and England.
Australia Seals Semi-final Berth from Group A
Australia’s dominant performance in the group stage has ensured their place in the next round, winning three matches in a row. The defending champions have continued their winning streak, leading the points table in Group A. With their qualification secured, the focus now shifts to the remaining teams vying for a spot.
Group A: India, New Zealand, and Pakistan Compete for Semi-final Place
Group A remains highly competitive with three teams fighting for the second semi-final spot. India is currently in second place after winning two of their three matches. New Zealand has won one of their two matches, while Pakistan has only one victory from three matches. Sri Lanka, however, is out of contention.
India will face Australia in their final group match, a crucial game that could determine their qualification. If India wins, they will end with six points, putting them on par with Australia. New Zealand, with matches against Sri Lanka and Pakistan, has the potential to reach six points if they win both games. In this scenario, net run rate will decide the second semi-finalist from Group A.
If New Zealand wins both their matches and India beats Australia, the team with the better net run rate will advance to the semi-finals. On the other hand, if India loses to Australia and New Zealand loses to Pakistan but beats Sri Lanka, the net run rate will once again play a decisive role in determining which team moves forward.
Group B: Tight Race Between West Indies, South Africa, and England
Group B is equally intense, with West Indies, South Africa, and England all in the race for the semi-finals. Each of these teams has the potential to reach six points, making net run rate a key factor. With Scotland and Bangladesh already out of contention, the remaining matches in Group B will decide which two teams will move to the next round.
England has looked strong so far with two consecutive wins, while South Africa and West Indies both have two wins from three matches. The upcoming matches will be crucial for all three teams, as any slip-up could see them miss out on a semi-final spot.
Semi-final Scenarios for Group A
For India, the equation is clear: if they defeat Australia, they will significantly increase their chances of making it to the semi-finals. However, if they lose, they will have to rely on net run rate and the outcomes of New Zealand’s matches. New Zealand must win both their games against Sri Lanka and Pakistan to stay in the hunt, but even then, their progress will depend on net run rate.
Pakistan, though still mathematically in the race, faces a tough challenge. They must win their remaining matches and hope for favorable outcomes from the other teams to keep their semi-final hopes alive.
Group B’s Upcoming Matches Hold the Key
In Group B, the battle between West Indies, South Africa, and England is heating up. All three teams have a shot at making it to the semi-finals, and the final group-stage matches will be decisive. As net run rate could play a pivotal role, teams will be aiming not just for wins but also for convincing victories.
