South Africa hurried Pakistan towards the World Cup exit door of the World Cup after beating them by one wicket in Chennai on Friday. This was South Africa’s first World Cup win against Pakistan since 1999. Pakistan suffered their fourth loss on the trot for the first time in a global tournament.
Here’s a look at what the semifinal race looks like.
South Africa: With 10 points in their kitty, they are almost assured of a semifinal spot. Another win will, more or less, confirm it.
India: With five wins out of five, the hosts have one foot in the semifinals already. One more victory is likely to make it official.
New Zealand: They are on eight points and would look for at least two wins from their remaining four games to go through
Australia: Three wins out of five should see them in the semifinals, with matches against Afghanistan and Bangladesh to come.
Sri Lanka: Two wins on the bounce have brought them back in the conversation a bit, but they may have to win all their remaining fixtures to confirm their semifinal spot.
Pakistan: With four defeats out of six, they are almost out. They may have to win all their remaining matches to stay in the net run rate calculations.
Afghanistan: They are not out of the mathematical equations, but will most likely look to add to the two upsets they have registered in the tournament so far.
Bangladesh: Their points tally (2 from 5 matches) and form so far don’t indicate that they are in the running any more.
England: It’s been a disastrous title defence from the holders, and they themselves believe that they have been eliminated.
Netherlands: They have been plucky and have one notable upset to their credit. They would aim to beat the other teams in the bottom half of the points table before bowing out.