T20 World Cup State of Play: Two spots up for grabs as group stage nears end

Teams: India (Q), United States (Q), Pakistan (E), Canada (E), Ireland (E)

INDIA (6 points | 1.137 NRR)

Qualified | Three wins from three games means India are through to the Super Eight stage at a relative canter. Progression to the Super Eight didn’t come easy for Rohit Sharma’s side, who were made to work hard by both Pakistan and USA in low-scoring thrillers in New York. But the world’s top-ranked T20I side can now look ahead to different sorts of challenges to come as the tournament progresses.

UNITED STATES (5 points | 0.127 NRR)

Qualified | What a story USA have been so far. An opening win over Canada and that stunning victory against Pakistan put the co-hosts in a terrific position to claim a surprise qualification to the Super Eight, and the washout against Ireland in Lauderhill confirmed their spot in the Super Eight stage. It’s hard to underplay what an achievement this is for a team ranked No.17 in the world and with almost no major tournament experience.

PAKISTAN (2 points | 0.191 NRR)

Eliminated | For every nail-biter and underdog winner, there’s a loser who faces the consequences – and that has been Pakistan’s reality at this tournament. With two losses to start their campaign, the Asian powerhouse hit back with a win over Canada, but needed a helping hand from other teams and the weather, and they didn’t get that. USA’s washout against Ireland means that Pakistan cannot usurp the Americans even if they were to beat the Irish in Florida on Sunday.

CANADA (2 points | –0.493 NRR)

Eliminated | The Canadians fought back from a loss to USA in the tournament opener by securing a 12-run win over Ireland. But Tuesday’s loss to Pakistan and results elsewhere mean that Canada can no longer reach the Super Eight stage, even if they were to stun the world’s top-ranked T20I side in their final group game.

IRELAND (1 points | –1.712 NRR)

Eliminated | The washout in Lauderhill against the USA consigned Ireland to a fate that looked set from the moment they lost their second group game, against Canada, in New York. Sunday’s final game against Pakistan gives them a chance to take some positives from a tournament that has been a big disappointment for a team who had hopes of pushing for the Super Eight.