Dubai: India required a big victory against Scotland in ICC World T20 on Friday in Dubai to have something in their hands if they want to give themselves a chance to qualify for the semi-finals and the former champions did in style dismissing Scotland for just 85 runs and then chased down the target in just 6.3 overs.
This result alongside the healthy 66-run win over Afghanistan(+1.481), boosted India’s net run rate (NRR) to +1.619, which is the best in Group 2. However, it’s on the points where trail second-placed New Zealand(+1.277) by a couple, with both the side having played four matches each.
Pakistan’s win over Namibia ensured their entrance to the final four, leaving only one open spot in Group 2 with New Zealand being at the front of the race thanks to their points on the board with India still having something to hang on to.
The defeats, India suffered in the opening two matches continue to pinch them. Despite having the NRR in the group, they are behind the Kiwis with a couple of victories.
After claiming to dominate victories against Afghanistan and Scotland, the’ Men in Blue’ are least bothered about NRR. However, hanging on points with Afghanistan at four points with a couple of victories meant India need their continental compatriots to do the favor.
As it stands, India relies heavily on the result of the fixture between Afghanistan and New Zealand on Sunday in Abu Dhabi.
If Afghans pull off a miracle against the Blackcaps, India will need to beat Namibia in the same evening to secure the berth of the semi-finals as they have the superior net run-rate compared to the other two contenders while all of the three would be tied on 6 points each in the table.
While winning for New Zealand would make India’s match against Namibia a dead rubber, the Kiwis will go through with four victories and 8 points.
