Wednesday’s matches saw two teams ruled out of knockout contention at the Women’s T20 World Cup, with some big NRR gains for South Africa and India. Here’s how the two groups are shaping up, with some big matches on the horizon.
Australia (4 points | +2.524 NRR)
Alyssa Healy’s side are favourites to win the tournament and showed just why they are ranked number one in the world with a demolition of New Zealand in their second match.
The six-time champions are two from two and could effectively seal their place in the semi-finals with victory over Pakistan next up.
India secures record win to boost semi-final chances | Match Highlights | WT20WC 2024
India (4 points | +0.576 NRR)
India’s hammering of Sri Lanka has given them a big chance of reaching the semi-finals even after their disappointing opening loss to New Zealand.
The huge net run rate boost that Harmanpreet Kaur’s side gained in their win on Wednesday means that they may not need to beat Australia in their final group fixture, depending on results elsewhere.
But even if they do need a win over the defending champions, it is now highly unlikely to be by a significant margin, as had looked possible prior to their trouncing of Sri Lanka in Dubai.
A captain's knock from Harmanpreet Kaur | Player Highlights | WT20WC 2024
Pakistan (2 points | +0.555 NRR)
Pakistan’s opening-day win over Sri Lanka blew this group wide open and they remain in contention to qualify for the semi-finals despite the disappointing loss to India in their second match.
Fatima Sana’s side will need another win, and their meeting with New Zealand that concludes the group could well decide the final shake-up.
New Zealand (2 points | -0.050 NRR)
The White Ferns have gone from boom to bust in their opening two matches, delivering a statement performance to beat India in their opening game, before slipping to a demoralising loss against Australia.
The 60-run margin of defeat against their neighbours saw New Zealand undo their net run rate advantage, but they remain firmly in contention to qualify for the knockout stage, with matches against Sri Lanka and Pakistan still to come.
Sri Lanka (0 points | -2.564 NRR)
Sri Lanka were one of the form teams coming into this tournament and had enjoyed victories against a host of higher-ranked nations in the last 18 months.
And so the failure to compete in Group A will be hugely frustrating for Chamari Athapaththu and her side.
Confidence was in short supply in Wednesday’s third defeat to India, a result that means Sri Lanka are unable to make it out of the group, and they will round off their campaign against New Zealand on Saturday.
What India's emphatic win against Sri Lanka does to their NRR in Women's #T20WorldCup Group A 👀
Check the standings here ➡: https://t.co/2JtqWin6Wo#INDvSL #WhateverItTakes pic.twitter.com/oywpk0cOtH
Australia v Pakistan – Friday 11 October (18:00 local time), Dubai International Cricket Stadium
New Zealand v Sri Lanka – Saturday 12 October (14:00 local time), Sharjah Cricket Stadium
India v Australia – Sunday 13 October (18:00 local time), Sharjah Cricket Stadium
Pakistan v New Zealand – Monday 14 October (18:00 local time), Dubai International Cricket Stadium
South Africa (4 points | +1.527)
South Africa’s crushing win over Scotland gives them a huge boost in search of a qualifying spot for the semi-finals.
The margin of that victory means the Proteas have the best NRR in the group, and leaves them in a strong position despite the loss to England.
A win over Bangladesh in their final game may well be enough, barring further dramatic NRR swings.
England (4 points | +0.653 NRR)
England are in control of Group B after starting their campaign with two wins, including victory over South Africa in a rematch of the 2023 semi-final.
Heather Knight’s side will be confident of qualifying from this position and one more win could be enough.
Reaction to England's second successive win | Digital Daily | WT20WC 2024
West Indies (2 points | +1.154 NRR)
The ICC Rankings suggest that West Indies and South Africa are the likeliest contenders to join England in the semi-finals from Group B, and it was the Proteas who triumphed when the two met in their opening match.
But the crushing nature of West Indies’ win over Scotland in their second match has given them a huge net run rate boost which could yet prove highly significant.
Hayley Matthews’ side will likely need a win over Bangladesh to stand a chance of qualification, and they could know what they require when they face England in their final group game.
Bangladesh (2 points | -0.125 NRR)
Bangladesh ended a decade-long wait for a win at an ICC Women’s T20 World Cup in the tournament opener against Scotland, and the Tigresses showed some quality in defeat to England in their second match of the opening week.
The team’s qualification hopes were always likely to hinge on their results against West Indies and South Africa, and those are their final two opponents in Group B.
Scotland (0 points | -2.671 NRR) – Unable to qualify
Scotland are making their first-ever appearance at an ICC Women’s T20 World Cup and have showed flashes of quality in their three defeats.
But zero points with one game remaining means that Scotland are already guaranteed to end their campaign at the group stage, even if they were to pull off a huge upset and beat England in their fourth and final match.
ICC Digital Insider Sanjana Ganesan takes us through all the reactions to the double-header in Sharjah.
Remaining fixtures in Group B
Bangladesh v West Indies – Thursday 10 October (18:00 local time), Sharjah Cricket Stadium
Bangladesh v South Africa – Saturday 12 October (18:00 local time), Dubai International Cricket Stadium
England v Scotland – Sunday 13 October (14:00 local time), Sharjah Cricket Stadium
England v West Indies – Tuesday 15 October (18:00 local time), Dubai International Cricket Stadium
Behind the scenes of Captains' Day | WT20WC 2024
The T20 World Cup will see 23 matches held in total over 18 days, with all matches in the two host cities of Dubai and Sharjah.
Fans can purchase tickets online or directly at the stadiums, for more information on where to buy click here.
Whatever It Takes | The Official Event Song | WT20WC 2024
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