Pakistan vs South Africa is one of the most significant matches in this group
25 October, 2022
PHOTO: AFP
The T20 World Cup is off to a feisty and intriguing start, and Sunday's match between India and Pakistan at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) was an absolute thriller.
India won by four wickets in a last-ball thriller as Virat Kohli was the star of the night with an unbeaten 82-run knock-off with only 53 balls. This victory has given India two points.
On Monday, two other matches were played in Group 2: Bangladesh vs. Netherlands and South Africa vs. Zimbabwe. These matches were played at Hobart's Bellerive Oval. Bangladesh defeated the Netherlands, but South Africa and Zimbabwe's match was canceled due to rain.
As rain abandoned the match between Zimbabwe and South Africa, Group 2 has become quite intriguing, and it appears like the battle for the semi-finals will come down to the wire.
Bangladesh and India each have two points. However, Bangladesh tops the group, while India is in second. Bangladesh is in first place due to its higher net run rate. South Africa and Zimbabwe are in third and fourth place, respectively, with one point, while Pakistan and the Netherlands occupy the bottom two.
If India wins all of its remaining matches, it will have 10 points and an assured spot in the semifinals. Pakistan can earn a maximum of eight points, while South Africa can accumulate a maximum of nine. This essentially makes Pakistan vs. South Africa one of the most significant matches in this group.
Bangladesh can also reach 10 points, but given their performance in the shortest format over the past year, it seems doubtful that they will overcome India, Pakistan, or South Africa.
India will face South Africa on October 30, while Pakistan will face South Africa on November 3. If India defeats the Proteas, they will likely top Group B and advance to the semifinals.
Pakistan and South Africa are the two sides in the Super 12 that cannot afford any errors. However, Bangladesh cannot be discounted in Group 2.
