Knock-out permutations and combination: Group B
- India have become the first team to qualify for the quarter-finals
- South Africa have all but assured themselves of a quarters berth
- Pakistan, Ireland and West Indies fighting for a couple of spots
While India have become the first team to qualify for the quarter-finals from Pool B, there is a tight battle for the remaining places, with Pakistan, Ireland and West Indies fighting for the last two spots. South Africa are likely to finish second since they are going to play minnows United Arab Emirates in their last match and should have no difficulty in beating them. Here's a look at the current standings and what the Pool B teams need to do to in order to enter the knock-outs:
1. India
Current Points: 8; NRR: 2.24; Matches remaining: 2; Yet to play: Ireland and Zimbabwe
Having won four games out of four, India have guaranteed themselves a place in the quarter-finals. Taking into account their superior run-rate and the quality of oppositions in Ireland and Zimbabwe in their remaining games, MS Dhoni's men are red-hot favourites to finish as pool-toppers.
2. South Africa
Current Points: 6; NRR: 1.95; Matches remaining: 1; Yet to play: UAE
A win against UAE on March 12 will help South Africa remain second on the points table and move into the quarters. However, South Africa could lose their second spot if Ireland successfully manage to perform the Herculean task of beating both India (March 10) and Pakistan (March 15).
If Pakistan defeat Ireland and South Africa win against UAE, both Pakistan and South Africa will finish with 8 points apiece. In that scenario - unless Pakistan defeat Ireland by a huge margin - South Africa will remain second.
3. Pakistan
Current Points: 6; NRR: -0.19; Matches remaining: 1; Yet to play: Ireland
A win against Ireland will guarantee a place for Pakistan in the knock-outs. If they lose, Misbah's side can still make it to the next round, provided they have a better NRR than West Indies - even if the Caribbean team defeats UAE. In case of a no-result, Pakistan will qualify for the quarters, but Ireland can go above them if they beat India.
4. Ireland
Current Points: 6; NRR -0.82; Matches remaining 2; Yet to play: India and Pakistan
A win against either India or Pakistan will ensure a quarter-final berth for Ireland. However, if Ireland lose both their remaining matches, their NRR will go further down, which will give West Indies a chance to sneak through.
5. West Indies
Current Points: 4; NRR -0.51; Matches remaining: 1; Yet to play: UAE
West Indies need a few results going their way if they are to qualify for the quarter-finals. The best chance for West Indies is to hope for Ireland to lose against both India and Pakistan and then win against UAE to finish on 6 points and a better NRR than Ireland.
6. Zimbabwe
Current Points: 2; NRR -0.59; Matches remaining 1; Yet to play: India
Zimbabwe have only one game remaining and even a win against India will leave the African side only on 4 points, meaning that they have no chance of making it through to the knock-outs.
7. UAE
Current Points: 0; NRR -1.69; Matches remaining 2; Yet to play: South Africa and West Indies
Without a single win so far, all United Arab Emirates can hope for is to go back home with one or two consolation victories. However, it's difficult to envisage how they are going to do that against experienced teams South Africa and West Indies.
