Image Credit- AP
England has had a dismal start to the World Cup 2023,
losing four of their first five matches, the last of which saw them thrashed by
Sri Lanka. However, because of the tournament’s format, which sees each of the
10 teams play the other nine before the semifinals, they still have a chance to
finish in the top four. In fact, they may possibly finish third with 10 points
provided they win their final four games, which is a difficult order
considering their appalling performances thus far.
This is one example of a permutation that could occur.
After losing their final four games, New Zealand
finishes with eight points.
India only lost to England in their four games,
winning three of them, while South Africa defeated every other nation. Next,
South Africa (ranked 14) and India (16) will occupy the top two positions.
Afghanistan defeated Australia and the Netherlands,
while Australia defeated New Zealand but lost their other games. Afghanistan
and Australia will then both end on eight.
Pakistan defeated Bangladesh and New Zealand, while
Sri Lanka defeated Afghanistan and New Zealand. Pakistan and Sri Lanka will
also end on eight.
In this scenario, England needs 10 points to secure
third place, with five teams on eight vying for fourth place.
Pakistan can only gain 10 points if they lose on
Friday, and they currently have four points from five games. According to the
above-described set of possibilities, Pakistan will really take third place on
10 points, while England will be among the five teams vying for fourth place on
8 points, if the outcome of the England vs. Pakistan match on November 11 is
reversed. This is the final league encounter for both teams.
With a victory on Sunday, India would keep an
undefeated record in the competition and accrue 12 points from their previous
six games. While the aforementioned example shows how eight may be sufficient
to qualify, it is also feasible that twelve may not be enough. Five more teams
might join India on 12 if they lose their next five games and remain there. Net
run rates will thereafter be the deciding factor.