The ICC T20 World Cup 2022 has started off with a bang. There have been some amazing moments, some brilliant upsets and more than many mind-boggling performances. It is noteworthy that some of the biggest teams like West Indies were eliminated in the qualifiers by teams like Ireland and Zimbabwe. In the very first game, Namibia shocked Sri Lanka and then that set the tone for the rest of the tournament. Ireland defeated England and then Zimbabwe also defeated Pakistan. And to top it all off, some crucial games were washed by relentless rain. This too had a huge effect and bearing on the points table.
And now that we are into the business stage of the Super 12 it seems like a game of musical chairs as to who will qualify for the semi-finals.
But worry not, we have it all covered for you. And we have also compiled a list of the teams we think will move forward in the tournament and what they need to do to move front.
Group 1 –
New Zealand – New Zealand has the upper hand in group 1. They have played 3 games and won 2 of those games with rain making them share points in one game. New Zealand has 5 points from their 3 games and has two games more to go. Should they win even 1 out of their remaining 2, New Zealand is likely to go through to the next round. Kane Williamson and his men will be eager to lift the trophy after falling short after going so very close. Will New Zealand finally do it this time?
Australia – Considering how they started and how things went South, Australia were staring at an early exit in the T20 World Cup despite being the hosts. But with Ireland defeating England and a few encounters going their way and also a few games being washed away when they needed to, Australia now is back in the game and how. They just need to win their two remaining games. And considering their games are against relatively easier teams, Australia is now firm favourites to qualify from this group after New Zealand. Will the defending champions finally manage to be the first team to defend their World Cup?
Group 2 –
India – India has been one of the best teams in the tournament. They have been playing outstanding cricket with some key players back in form. And even if their bowling looked out of sorts during the beginning of the tournament, it has finally found some flow. India lost their game against South Africa but still has room for error. They need to win either one (depending on other results) or maybe both of those games. And considering they have to play one game against Bangladesh and one against Zimbabwe, India should be one of the teams qualifying from group 2.
South Africa – South Africa has also been playing some outstanding cricket. They look like a team who have all their bases covered. Their bowling is solid and their batsmen are in form and full of confidence. They have depth in their batting and also in their bowling. And more than anything, South Africa seems hungry for more. They will be even more confident after the win against India. They have to play a crucial game against Pakistan which might go either way. But even if South Africa wins one of their games, they should qualify from this group.
