What's the path to the T20 World Cup semi-finals for New Zealand and Pakistan? The answer lies in a thrilling battle for Group 2's second spot. New Zealand, riding high after their 61-run victory over Sri Lanka, is the favorite to secure a semi-final spot. But Pakistan, don't count them out just yet! Here's the breakdown:
New Zealand's Dominance:
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- This scenario also guarantees India as the host for both semi-finals.
Pakistan's Slippery Slope:
- If England wins, they'll take the group lead with six points, keeping Pakistan in the hunt but with a significant NRR disadvantage.
- For Pakistan to make the semis, they'd need a massive win over Sri Lanka, surpassing New Zealand's margin by a significant 40-run buffer.
- The math gets tricky: if England scores 180 and beats New Zealand by 30 runs, Pakistan must beat Sri Lanka by 40 runs. That's a total margin of around 70 runs needed from those two matches.
The Venue Factor:
- The next two games will decide not just the semi-finalists but also the host city for the first semi-final.
- New Zealand's qualification means Kolkata gets the honor. Pakistan's success would shift the spotlight to Colombo.
The Bottom Line:
New Zealand's strong start gives them the edge, but Pakistan still has a fighting chance. The next two games will be nail-biters, with the outcome determining not just the semi-finalists but also the stage's atmosphere and excitement!
