However, cricket is a fickle game, and the defending champions, England, have experienced its ups and downs in the past month. With only one win in six matches, they find themselves at the bottom of the points table, facing the possibility of an early exit.
As India becomes the first team to secure a semi-final berth, Bangladesh has been eliminated from the race. South Africa is well on its way to securing a semi-final spot, while Australia and New Zealand face challenges from other teams in the middle of the table.
Here’s a look at the current standings in the race to the semi-finals, listed in the order of their positions on the points table:
INDIA (Qualified for semis)
- Position: No. 1
- Win/loss record: 7-0
- Points: 14
- Net Run Rate: +2.102
- Matches left: vs South Africa and Netherlands
India’s flawless record of seven wins in the round-robin games has guaranteed their place in the semi-finals. Their next match against South Africa on November 5 will be crucial in determining their final position on the leaderboard.
SOUTH AFRICA
- Position: No. 2
- Win/loss record: 6-1
- Points: 12
- Net Run Rate: +2.290
- Matches left: vs India and Afghanistan
South Africa’s only loss was an unexpected defeat to the Netherlands, but their strong performance, especially with the bat, has resulted in significant wins in five matches, contributing to their impressive net run rate.
AUSTRALIA
- Position: No. 3
- Win/loss record: 4-2
- Points: 8
- Net Run Rate: +0.970
- Matches left: vs England, Afghanistan, Bangladesh
Australia, a five-time ODI World Cup winner, appears to have found their form at the right time after a rocky start to the tournament. They are in a favorable position to secure a spot in the semi-finals, with matches remaining against England, Afghanistan, and the eliminated Bangladesh.
NEW ZEALAND
- Position: No. 4
- Win/loss record: 4-3
- Points: 8
- Net Run Rate: +0.484
- Matches left: vs Pakistan and Sri Lanka
New Zealand had a strong start with four consecutive wins but faced a downturn with three subsequent losses. Their upcoming match against Pakistan on November 4 is crucial and akin to a virtual quarterfinal.
PAKISTAN
- Position: No. 5
- Win/loss record: 3-4
- Points: 6
- Net Run Rate: -0.024
- Matches left: vs New Zealand and England
Pakistan, after a series of losses, made a comeback by defeating Bangladesh with a substantial margin of seven wickets. Their fate now depends on both their performance and the outcomes of other matches, requiring two wins in their last two matches.
AFGHANISTAN
- Position: No. 6
- Win/loss record: 3-3
- Points: 6
- Net Run Rate: -0.718
- Matches left: vs Netherlands, Australia, and South Africa
Afghanistan has emerged as a thrilling team, defeating three former champions. To secure a semi-final spot, they need to win their remaining three matches and hope that England defeats Australia.
SRI LANKA
- Position: No. 7
- Win/loss record: 2-5
- Points: 4
- Net Run Rate: -1.162
- Matches left: vs Bangladesh and New Zealand
Sri Lanka’s chances are mathematically alive but minimal after a demoralizing defeat to India. Even if they improve their net run rate, they will need miraculous results from other matches to remain in contention.
NETHERLANDS
- Position: No. 8
- Win/loss record: 2-4
- Points: 4
- Net Run Rate: -1.277
- Matches left: vs Afghanistan, England, and India
The Netherlands, with their recent win against South Africa, have won hearts but face slim chances of advancing to the semi-finals, depending on other teams losing their matches and the Dutch winning their next three games.
BANGLADESH (Eliminated)
- Position: No. 9
- Win/loss record: 1-6
- Points: 2
- Net Run Rate: -1.446
ENGLAND
- Position: No. 10
- Win/loss record: 1-5
- Points: 2
- Net Run Rate: -1.652
- Matches left: vs Australia, Netherlands, and Pakistan
Despite a disappointing campaign, England’s slim hopes for the semi-finals rely on extraordinary results in other games, requiring three wins, a significantly improved net run rate, and a major shift in the points table.
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