India’s biggest Women's T20 World Cup win has enabled them to second place in the Group A standings, leaving them with a chance to qualify for the semi-finals without depending on other results.
After India’s 58-run defeat to New Zealand in their tournament opener, Harmanpreet Kaur’s team needed massive wins in their remaining three games to qualify for the top four. Wins against Pakistan and Sri Lanka, the latter coming by a margin of 82 runs, have helped them recover their Net Run Rate, which now sits at +0.576.
India have one more game, against Australia, on Sunday (October 13) and will be hoping for a big win to overhaul their NRR of +2.786. A loss will hinder their progress but they will not be eliminated despite a defeat. Here's how:
What happens if India win against Australia?
India’s best chance will be to defeat Australia, taking them to six points. A big enough victory margin, by 61 runs, will see them topple Australia's NRR and take them to the top spot in the points table, guaranteeing them qualification.
If they win by a small margin, it will get trickier.
As things stand currently, besides Australia and India, the other team that can reach six points from the Group will be New Zealand. New Zealand have a current NRR of +0.282 and have a game against Pakistan left.
The Pakistan-New Zealand match will also be after the India-Australia game, with the latter being aware of the exact scenarios that will take them through. India will then hope that New Zealand do not overtake their Net Run Rate and win by a small margin in the game.
The best possibility will be to beat Australia and have New Zealand lose their match against Pakistan.
What happens if India lose to Australia?
If India lose to Australia, they will end with four points and then will desperately want Pakistan to beat New Zealand. They will also be dependent on Net Run Rate one way or another with three teams then on equal points.
India will be eliminated if they lose to Australia and New Zealand win against Pakistan.
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