The India-Pakistan semi-final match in the T20 World Cup that everyone was waiting for will not happen now. Due to the current conditions of the Super 8 stage and ICC rules, all mathematical possibilities of the two teams meeting in the semi-finals are gone.
Colombo: The great match that the whole world was waiting for in the T20 World Cup will not happen now. Yes, there is no possibility left for a semi-final match between India and Pakistan. The results of the Super 8 matches and the current situation of the group have ruined this dream of crores of fans. Mathematically, all avenues for these two teams to meet each other in the semi-finals are closed. As per ICC semi-final rules, the first semi-final will be between the topper of Group 1 and the second-placed team in Group 2. Whereas, in the second semi-final, the topper of Group 2 will face the second placed team of Group 1.
How did the entire mathematics of the semi-finals go wrong?
England defeated Pakistan in the Super 8 match held yesterday. With this victory, England has almost confirmed its top position in Group 2. In the current situation, even if Pakistan reaches the semi-finals, it will be able to reach only as the second number team. On the other hand, the Indian team is struggling for second place in Group 1 after losing badly to South Africa. It is almost certain that South Africa or West Indies will be on top in this group.
If both the teams come to the semi-finals after finishing second in their respective groups, then it is impossible for them to clash with each other. As per ICC’s hybrid model, it was decided that if the semi-final or final takes place between India and Pakistan, it would be held at R.K. Colombo, Colombo. Will be played at Premadasa Stadium. But now that it has become clear that these teams will not meet in the semi-finals, there will be a change in the venues of the matches.
If the team captained by Suryakumar Yadav qualifies for the semi-finals by finishing second in Group 1, then India will play its semi-final match in Mumbai. At the same time, if Pakistan performs a miracle and reaches the semi-finals, then its match will be held in Colombo. There Pakistan will face the topper team of Group 1, i.e. South Africa or West Indies. If India finishes second, it is most likely to face England.
There is still hope for a clash in the finals
Even though the hope of a clash in the semi-finals is over, a small hope of these two teams coming face to face in the final is still alive. If India and Pakistan win their respective semi-final matches, we could see another high-voltage encounter in the World Cup final. However, looking at the current net run-rate and points table, it is a big challenge for both the teams to reach the semi-finals.
India reached Super-8 by topping the group stage, while Pakistan team stood second. In the group stage, Team India had easily defeated its arch rival Pakistan. Now the fans were hoping that they would once again see India-Pakistan clash in the semi-finals, but as of now they are disappointed. Now if both the teams reach the finals, only then this high-voltage match will be seen.
The Indian team now has to face Zimbabwe on 26 February and West Indies on 1 March in the Super-8. On the other hand, the first match of Super-8 between Pakistan and New Zealand was canceled due to rain. Now after losing to England, Pakistan has to play its last Super-8 match against Sri Lanka. If Pakistan loses this match, it will officially be out of the race for the semi-finals. Even if Pakistan wins, it will need the help of luck to reach the semi-finals.