The Indian women’s cricket team is in a strict dilemma wheteher they qualify for the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2024 semifinal or not.
With their upcoming match against Australia on October 13, the question arises: Can India still qualify for the semifinals if they lose to Australia?
The answer is complex and depends on multiple factors, including other teams’ performances and India’s net run rate (NRR).
India’s Current Standings in T20I World Cup 2024
India currently sits in a precarious position in Group A, having won two matches against Pakistan and Sri Lanka but suffered a significant loss to New Zealand.
With 4 points from three matches, they are competing closely with teams like Pakistan and New Zealand for the coveted top two spots that guarantee semifinal qualification.
The top two teams from each group will advance to the semifinals, scheduled for October 17 and 18.
India’s Qualification Scenarios
If India Wins Against Australia:
Winning the last match against Australia would put them at six points. In this scenario, India’s qualification would also depend on the outcomes of New Zealand’s matches against Pakistan and Australia.
If India Loses to Australia:
If India loses to Australia, their path to the semifinals becomes complicated. Their chances of qualifying would rely heavily on other results:
- New Zealand’s Performance: India would need New Zealand to lose both of their remaining matches—against Pakistan and Australia. If New Zealand loses at least one of these matches, it could create a scenario where multiple teams finish with four points.
- Net Run Rate (NRR): In a situation where India ends up with four points alongside New Zealand and Pakistan, NRR would play a crucial role in determining which team advances. Currently, India’s NRR is +0.576.
Possible Tiebreaker Scenarios:
If India finishes with four points after losing to Australia, they could find themselves in a three-way tie with New Zealand and Pakistan. In such cases, the team with the highest NRR among those tied would qualify for the semifinals.
