NB Explains | Why has undefeated India not qualified for semi-final of ICC World Cup 2023?
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Rohit Sharma-led Indian cricket team is the only one that has remained unbeaten in the ongoing ICC Men's World Cup 2023, winning all 6 matches. With this, they are in the top position in the ICC World Cup point tally with 12 points and have a net run rate of +1.405.
Till now, India has defeated New Zealand, Bangladesh, Pakistan, Afghanistan, Australia and England. In all the previous 5 matches India chased and won, but with England, India batted first and thrashed the defending champions by a whopping 100 runs, bowling out the English team for 129 in 34.5 overs.
Though India is the favorites to make it to the semi-finals after the win over England on 29 October, mathematically they are yet to qualify for the next round.
How can India still qualify for the semi-final?
1. India has to win at least one of three remaining matches - against South Africa, Sri Lanka, and Netherlands - to finish on 14+ points and the Rohit & Co will be guaranteed qualification.
2. If this does not happen, they have to at least finish with a better net run rate than at least one of the four other teams (South Africa, New Zealand, Australia, Afghanistan) that can also reach 12 points
Will India qualify for semi-final?
Considering India's current form, with batters like skipper Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, Shubman Gill, and KL Rahul in superb form, combined with the best bowling attack by Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Siraj, Mohammed Shami, Kuldeep Yadav and Ravindra Jadeja, beating India would not be an easy task for opponents.
India are all set to face Sri Lanka on 2 November, South Africa on 5 November, and the Netherlands on 12 November. Looking at the current chances, India may defeat Sri Lanka and the Netherlands, while the match with South Africa would be a top-notch one, as the latter have lost only one match and are in the second spot in the points table.
So cricket fans supporting India can rejoice thinking India will continue its form and win against Sri Lanka in Mumbai on 2 November, securing its semi-final berth.
Meanwhile, the World Cup 2023 semi-finals will take place on 14 November in Mumbai (1 vs 4) and 16 November (2 vs 3) in Kolkata. The final is scheduled for 19 November in Ahmedabad.