Clash of India vs Bangladesh Crucial after Loss against Africa

India’s game against Bangladesh on Wednesday is extremely important since they are no longer in pole position in Group 2 and lost their Super-12 to South Africa on Sunday night.

India are currently in second place with four points from three games, while the Proteas are in first place with five points from three games. However, the Proteas’ match against Zimbabwe was abandoned and will not count towards their standings.

A net run rate of +0.844 in favour of India means they should quickly overpower the Bangladesh side when they clash. But, Bangladesh still has a chance at a comeback, depending on their net run rate.

South Africa’s +2.772 NRR after their crushing 104-run win over Bangladesh means that they are now the clear favorites to qualify in the group. But it could be a close finish as other teams fight for second place, including India and England who have a chance.

If Bangladesh wins, it will be leading the group by 2 points and have a guaranteed spot in the semifinal. This may mean that Kumar Sangakkarra’s dream of captaining India to their first semifinal appearance may come true.

If India beats Bangladesh, then they will be one of the top four teams with a chance at winning. Afterward, Zimbabwe, the fifth-place team, will await them.

While Zimbabwe’s surprising victory over Pakistan gave them a chance, their crushing defeat to Bangladesh means they would need something spectacular to finish in the top two and qualify for the next round.

Pakistan’s chances of advancing have taken a blow following India’s loss against South Africa. If they don’t find the win against Sri Lanka, they may have to wait until 10th July to have their fate decided.