The race to make the T20 World Cup semi-finals enters its final week, with the Proteas Women having put themselves firmly back in contention for a playoff spot.
Group A was labelled the Group of Death as it features heavyweights Australia, India and South Africa, along with dark horses Bangladesh.
Only the top two teams in each group of six teams advances to the semi-finals. In the event of teams being tied on points, net run rate (NRR) will be used to determine who finishes higher.
Here we look at the two Groups and the teams vying for semi-final qualification:
GROUP A
Australia: 6 points | NRR +4.391
Six-time champions Australia have recorded three dominant wins. A win over either Pakistan or India in their last two group games, should be enough to see them through.
India: 4 points | NRR +2.511
The reigning ODI world champions began like a steam train but then came unstuck against the Proteas to throw Group A wide open. India face semi-final rivals Bangladesh and Australia in their final two group games. If they suffer another defeat and South Africa win their remaining two matches, India will be on a plane home.
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South Africa: 4 points | NRR: -0.546
Losing finalists in the 2023 and 2024 T20 World Cups, the Proteas Women bounced back from an opening defeat against Australia with crucial wins over Pakistan and India. On paper have the easiest run-in as they face Netherlands and Bangladesh, but this no time to take the foot off the pedal. A poor NRR could be an issue in the event of a tie on points.
Bangladesh: 4 points | NRR -0.641
An up-and down tournament saw a heavy loss to Australia bookended by wins over Netherlands and Pakistan. Have it all to do in their final two games against group rivals India and South Africa though.
Pakistan: 0 points – Out of Contention
Netherlands: 0 points – Out of Contention
GROUP B
Group B features the likes of defending champions New Zealand and former winners England and West Indies, as well as Sri Lanka.
England: 6 points | NRR: +2.490
Wins over Sri Lanka, Ireland and Scotland have taken the hosts to the brink of semi-final qualification. A win in their next two matches against either West Indies or defending champions New Zealand will secure a playoff spot.
West Indies: 6 points | NRR: +0.644
A massive win over New Zealand in their opener set them up well in Group B and the 2016 winners followed that up with nervy wins over Scotland Sri Lanka. A win over either England or Ireland will secure a passage through to the semis.
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New Zealand: 2 points | NRR -0.063
The defending champions are in serious danger of crashing out in the group stage after losing their first two matches of the tournament, against West Indies and Sri Lanka. A narrow four-run win over Ireland just about kept the White Ferns’s hopes alive. They have to win their final two group matches against Scotland and England to give themselves a chance – even then it may not be enough.
Scotland: 2 points | NRR -0.083
Scotland started well with a win over Ireland but then fell short against West Indies and England. Need to beat Sri Lanka and New Zealand and hope other results to go their way to stand any chance.
Sri Lanka: 2 points | NRR -1.913
Same boat as New Zealand and Sri Lanka. A heavy defeat to England, followed by a win over New Zealand, and a defeat to the West Indies. Counting slightly in their favour is that their final two group games are against Ireland and Scotland.
Ireland: 0 points – Out of Contention
Photo: David Rogers/Getty Images
