DUBAI: Only six matches left before the ICC Under-19 Cricket World Cup enters its knockout stages, eight teams are vying for a spot in the semi-finals. Despite India, Pakistan, and Australia boasting unbeaten records thus far, no team has secured a semi-final berth, with final four berths likely to be determined by net run rate.
The race for the #U19WorldCup semi-final spots is heating up 👊
More ➡️ https://t.co/UhOOVNpX8B pic.twitter.com/xFgxeLvJhq
— ICC (@ICC) February 1, 2024
Group 1
India (six points, +3.327 net run rate)
Leading run-scorer: Musheer Khan – 325
Leading wicket-taker: Saumy Pandey – 12
Remaining fixture: v Nepal, February 2
The undefeated reigning champions, having secured four victories in the tournament, are on the verge of advancing to the semi-finals before their last match against Nepal.
A win guarantees India a spot in the knockout rounds, likely topping Group One and setting up a clash with the second-placed team from Group 2 in the semi-finals.
However, a loss to Nepal could jeopardize India’s semi-final prospects, contingent upon Bangladesh defeating Pakistan and both teams finishing the Super Six phase with a superior net run rate.
Pakistan (six points, +1.064 net run rate)
Leading run-scorer: Shahzaib Khan – 234
Leading wicket-taker: Ubaid Shah – 12
Remaining fixture: v Bangladesh, February 3
Similar to their arch-rival India, Pakistan remains undefeated in the tournament and is well-positioned to advance to the semi-finals. Securing a win against Bangladesh in Benoni on Saturday will guarantee their qualification, although a close defeat might still be sufficient if their net run rate surpasses that of Bangladesh. It is probable that Pakistan will secure the second spot in Group 1 standings, setting up a challenging encounter against the leading team from Group 2 in the semi-finals, with the possibility of facing India again in the final provided both teams emerge victorious in their respective semis.
Bangladesh (four points, +0.348 net run rate)
Leading run-scorer: Ariful Islam – 216
Leading wicket-taker: Maruf Mridha – 8
Remaining fixture: v Pakistan, February 3
Securing a commendable five-wicket victory against Nepal in their inaugural Super Six showdown has ensured Bangladesh remains in contention for a spot in the semi-finals. Stuart Law’s squad is fully aware of the requirements as they prepare to face Pakistan. To advance to the final four, Bangladesh must overcome Pakistan by a margin significant enough to surpass their Asian counterpart’s net run rate, positioning them favorably for second place in Group 1. However, a defeat to Pakistan or a slim victory would result in Bangladesh failing to secure a semi-final berth.
New Zealand (two points, +1.915 net run rate)
Leading run-scorer: Snehith Devireddy – 154
Leading wicket-taker: Mason Clarke – 7
Remaining fixture: v Ireland, February 3
New Zealand’s hopes of reaching the semi-finals were dashed after suffering a disheartening 214-run defeat to India in Bloemfontein. Despite this setback, they still have one match remaining, facing off against Ireland in Bloemfontein this Saturday.
Nepal (zero points, -1.445 net run rate)
Leading run-scorer: Dev Khanal – 152
Leading wicket-taker: Subash Bhandari – 9
Remaining fixture: v India, February 2
Nepal chances for a semi-final spot were dashed after their defeat to Bangladesh by five wickets, eliminating their hopes for a top-four finish. Despite this setback, they retain the ability to influence the semi-final lineup, as their upcoming match against India in Bloemfontein on Friday holds significant importance in determining the standings in Group 1.
Ireland (zero points, -1.699 net run rate)
Leading run-scorer: Kian Hilton – 134
Leading wicket-taker: Oliver Riley – 7
Remaining fixture: v New Zealand, February 3
Ireland kicked off their campaign in a dazzling fashion, clinching a remarkable win against the USA. However, since then, their journey has taken a downward trajectory with three successive defeats, leading to their elimination from contention for the semi-finals. Now, their primary objective is to triumph over New Zealand in their last tournament match to avoid finishing at the bottom of Group 1 standings.
Group 2
Australia (six points, +2.781 net run rate)
Leading run-scorer: Hugh Weibgen – 230
Leading wicket-taker: Callum Vidler – 11
Remaining fixture: v West Indies, February 2
The undefeated three-time champions in South Africa are currently positioned favorably to advance to the knockout stages, with only one Super Six match left. A win against the West Indies in Kimberley would secure Australia’s spot in the semi-finals and guarantee them the top spot in their Super Six group. Even a loss to the West Indies may still be sufficient for Australia to progress, given their impressive net run rate of +2.781. Thus, Australia remains well-positioned to advance and claim the top spot in their group.
South Africa (four points, +1.479 net run rate)
Leading run-scorer: Steve Stolk – 192
Leading wicket-taker: Kwena Maphaka – 12
Remaining fixture: v Sri Lanka, February 2
The tournament hosts have only suffered one defeat in the event so far and are poised to advance to the final four by securing a win in their last Super Six encounter against Sri Lanka. Victory in that match should secure South Africa’s spot in the knockout rounds, although a close loss to Sri Lanka could also suffice if Australia prevails over the West Indies in the other pivotal Group 2 match.
West Indies (four points, +0.134 net run rate)
Leading run-scorer: Jewel Andrew – 207
Leading wicket-taker: Nathan Edward – 8
Remaining fixture: v Australia, February 2
Lately, the Caribbean team has showcased excellent form, securing three consecutive victories after their initial defeat to South Africa at the beginning of the tournament.
As the West Indies team prepares to face Australia in their Super Six match in Kimberley, they are fully aware that a victory is imperative for their chances of advancement. However, they will also be monitoring the concurrent match between South Africa and Sri Lanka in Potchefstroom.
A victory for South Africa in that match could potentially dash the West Indies’ hopes of reaching the semi-finals. Conversely, a Sri Lankan triumph, combined with a West Indies win over Australia, might just be sufficient to maintain their aspirations of progressing to the knockout stages alive.
Sri Lanka (two points, +0.226 net run rate)
Leading run-scorer: Dinura Kalupahana – 177
Leading wicket-taker: Vishwa Lahiru – 9
Remaining fixture: v South Africa, February 2
Sri Lanka still holds a slim possibility of advancing to the semi-finals, but it hinges on securing a convincing win against hosts South Africa in their last Super Six match. Simply edging out a victory won’t suffice, considering South Africa’s strong net run rate. Additionally, Sri Lanka’s hopes also rely on Australia triumphing over the West Indies in the other pivotal Group 2 encounter.
England (two points, -1.241 net run rate)
Leading run-scorer: Ben McKinney – 184
Leading wicket-taker: Tazeem Ali – 7
Remaining fixture: v Zimbabwe, February 3
Wednesday’s defeat to Australia dealt a severe blow to England’s tournament aspirations, leaving Ben McKinney’s squad in need of nothing less than a miraculous turn of events to secure a spot in the semi-finals. Their path to advancement hinges on a substantial improvement in net run rate, a triumph over Zimbabwe in Potchefstroom this Saturday, and favorable outcomes in matches involving Australia, the West Indies, and Sri Lanka. However, even if these conditions are met, England’s inferior net run rate may ultimately prove decisive in the tightly contested Group 2 standings.
Zimbabwe (zero points, +4.016 net run rate)
Leading run-scorer: Ronak Patel – 80
Leading wicket-taker: Ryan Simbi, Newman Nyamhuri – 6
Remaining fixture: v England, February 3
Zimbabwe’s chances of advancing to the semi-finals have been dashed, and they now require a significant win against England in their last Super Six match to prevent finishing at the bottom of Group 2.
