On Wednesday two teams boosted their chances of qualification at the Women’s T20 World Cup and two others were sent packing. South Africa and India earned big net run rate (NRR) gains following their wins over Scotland and Sri Lanka respectively.
As the group stage inches towards conclusion, the scenarios become clearer and at the same time, the bids to progress to the semi-finals get tougher.
Group A
Australia (4 points | +2.524 NRR)
Australia, six-time winners and three-time defending champions, are once again favourites to win the tournament and have shown just why with a demolition of New Zealand in their second match.
The Alyssa Healy-led Aussies are two from two and could effectively seal their place into the semi-finals with victory over Pakistan next.
India (4 points | +0.576 NRR)
India’s crushing win over Sri Lanka has given their NRR a massive boost and lifted their semi-final qualification chances even after their disappointing opening loss to New Zealand and laboured win versus Pakistan.
The huge NRR boost that Harmanpreet Kaur’s side gained in their win vs Sri Lanka means that they may not need to beat Australia in their final group fixture, depending on the results elsewhere.
But even if they do enter the contest in must-win territory, it is now highly unlikely they would need to do so with a significant margin.
Pakistan (2 points | +0.555 NRR)
Pakistan’s victory on the opening day against Sri Lanka had opened up the competition for qualification, despite a disappointing setback against India in their second match.
Led by Fatima Sana, the team will need to secure another win, with their upcoming clash against New Zealand likely to determine their fate.
New Zealand (2 points | -0.050 NRR)
New Zealand have had a rollercoaster start, beginning strong with an impressive win over India, only to face a disappointing defeat against Australia.
The 60-run loss reversed their NRR advantage, but they still maintain a chance to qualify for the knockout stage, with crucial matches against Sri Lanka and Pakistan on the horizon.
Sri Lanka (0 points | -2.564 NRR)
Entering the tournament with momentum from recent victories against higher-ranked teams, Sri Lanka’s lack of competitiveness in Group A has been frustrating for captain Chamari Athapaththu and her squad.
Their third consecutive loss, to India, ended their chances of advancing, and they will finish their campaign against New Zealand on Saturday.
Remaining matches in Group A
Australia v Pakistan – Friday 11 October (18:00 local time), Dubai International Cricket Stadium
New Zealand v Sri Lanka – Saturday 12 October (14:00 local time), Sharjah Cricket Stadium
India v Australia – Sunday 13 October (18:00 local time), Sharjah Cricket Stadium
Pakistan v New Zealand – Monday 14 October (18:00 local time), Dubai International Cricket Stadium
Group B
South Africa (4 points | +1.527 NRR)
With a commanding win over Scotland, South Africa have taken a significant step toward semi-final qualification, boasting the best NRR in the group despite a loss to England. A win against Bangladesh in their final group match could secure their progress.
England (4 points | +0.653 NRR)
England are firmly in control of Group B with two victories, including a crucial win over South Africa in a rematch from the previous year’s semi-final.
With another win likely ensuring qualification, Heather Knight’s team look strong.
West Indies (2 points | +1.154 NRR)
On paper, West Indies and South Africa are the contenders to join England in the semi-finals. Although Windies lost their opener to South Africa, their decisive victory over Scotland has given them a solid NRR boost. They’ll likely need to defeat Bangladesh for a shot at qualification, with a potentially pivotal match against England to conclude the group stage.
Bangladesh (2 points | -0.125 NRR)
Bangladesh celebrated a long-awaited victory against Scotland, marking their first win at an ICC Women’s T20 World Cup in a decade. They showcased their skills even in defeat to England, but their hopes for progression will rely heavily on their performances against the West Indies and South Africa in the remaining group matches.
Scotland (0 points | -2.671 NRR) – Eliminated
Making their maiden appearance at the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup, Scotland have shown glimpses of talent in three losses. However, with no points and only one game left, they are guaranteed to exit at the group stage, even if they manage to upset England in their final match.
Remaining fixtures in Group B
Bangladesh v West Indies – Thursday 10 October (18:00 local time), Sharjah Cricket Stadium
Bangladesh v South Africa – Saturday 12 October (18:00 local time), Dubai International Cricket Stadium
England v Scotland – Sunday 13 October (14:00 local time), Sharjah Cricket Stadium
England v West Indies – Tuesday 15 October (18:00 local time), Dubai International Cricket Stadium
