Semi-final qualification scenario for Pakistan if India-Zimbabwe match abandons

With the victory over Bangladesh, the Indian cricket team has strengthened its position to qualify for the T20 World Cup semi-finals from Group 2. However, with Pakistan, Bangladesh, and South Africa still in the run, a place in the knockouts is far from guaranteed.

Pakistan's victory over South Africa has thrown the semi-finals qualification picture into chaos. If India wins their final Super 12 match against Zimbabwe, they will be guaranteed their spot as the top holder of Group 2 of the Super 12. But what happens if the game is called off?

Rain has affected this year's T20 World Cup, which has washed out many matches. Though the rain curse has not been as severe as in Group 2, it has resulted in the abandonment of several vital matches, creating a complex situation regarding semi-finals qualification.

ALSO READ: Explainer: Why was no ball called and Bangladesh asked to replay final delivery?

India now leads the group with 6 points, while South Africa (5 points) and Pakistan (4 points) are in second and third place, respectively. If India's match against Zimbabwe does not include a 5-over-a-side match, the two teams will split a point. In that situation, India's total would be 7.

In this case, India would qualify for the semi-finals but would not be guaranteed to advance as the group winners. South Africa could easily grab the top spot in the group if they beat the Netherlands due to a higher Net Run Rate.

In this scenario, the winner of the Pakistan-Bangladesh match can only advance to the semi-finals if South Africa loses to the Netherlands. A Proteas victory would knock out both Pakistan and Bangladesh from the tournament since South Africa and India would each have 7 points.

It should also be noted that no reserve day is scheduled for any T20 World Cup group matches. Only the semi-finals and finals have the option of stimulating a reserve day in the situation of rain.