The Group Phase of the T20 World Cup is winding down. And while the Proteas – and some others – have secured Super Eight qualification, there are others who are still looking to secure their spots in the next phase of the competition. James Richardson previews matches 30-35.
The T20 World Cup is nearing the end of the group phase with a handful of places still up for grabs.
England will learn if they are to be eliminated early this weekend while New Zealand and Sri Lanka are already out of the hunt.
Friday 14 June
USA 13/10 | Tie 25/1 | Ireland 62/1000 (16:30)
USA can clinch their progression to the next phase with a positive result on Friday evening.
A win or a washout will be enough to secure USA’s place in the next round of the competition.
Ireland are not out of the running yet despite two losses but they need to beat the USA to keep their hopes and those of Pakistan alive.
Aaron Jones is the batter to watch from both sides given his excellent start to the tournament.
Verdict: USA 13/10
The States have been the surprise package of the competition so far. Back them to book their place in the Super Eights against a disappointing Irish outfit.
Saturday 15 June
South Africa 1/16 | Tie 25/1 | Nepal 17/2 (01:30)
South Africa are through to the next round but Nepal are still in the chase for the second spot in the group.
If South Africa beat Nepal it will leave Bangladesh in the best position to progress from the group.
Nepal need a pair of wins from their remaining games to pull off what appears to be a very unlikely progression.
South Africa will likely top the group even if they lose this one given they have a strong net run rate.
Verdict: Most Runs in a Single Over – Over 18.5 17/20
On a better surface, we should see at least one over where the Proteas can score over 18.5 runs.
New Zealand 1/33 | Tie 25/1 | Uganda 25/2 (02:30)
New Zealand are out of the race for a Super 8s place despite still having two games to play.
The unbeaten records of Afghanistan and West Indies have put them out of reach of the Black Caps.
Uganda have scored two of the three lowest scores at the tournament so far and aren’t likely to improve enough to prevent New Zealand from claiming a first win.
New Zealand’s top order have struggled throughout the tournament but they now get a chance to pad their numbers just a little.
Verdict: Finn Allen over 1.5 Sixes 5/4
Finn Allen should really be able to help himself to two or more sixes against the Ugandan attack.
India 1/33 | Tie 25/1 | Canada 25/2 (16:30)
India are out to complete a perfect group stage campaign while Canada still retain a slim mathematical hope of reaching the next phase.
Canada have won just one match but that was a big upset victory over Ireland which has thrown this group into chaos.
India have been dominant and look like tournament favourites alongside Australia.
This may be a dead rubber for India but they will want to keep on playing well and ward off a slump that could hurt them in the next phase.
Verdict: India (-7.5 Wickets; -57.5 Runs) Handicap
India will have little trouble blowing this Canadian outfit away.
Namibia 11/1 | Tie 25/1 | England 1/25 (19:00)
England face a must-win showdown with Namibia on Saturday evening but will have to wait on the results on Sunday to learn their fate.
Namibia are out of the running for the next phase but could still move above England on the table and finish third in the group.
England were hurt by their washout against Scotland and loss to Australia and defeat here would end their campaign.
This match will be about securing the win for England with their net run rate already stronger than that of Scotland.
Verdict: England Most Runs in a Single Over – Over 18.5 17/20
England have such an explosive top order. They really should be able to nail 19 runs in at least one over in this game.
Sunday 16 June
Australia 1/9 | Tie 25/1 | Scotland 57/10 (02:30)
Australia may have hinted at ‘managing the result’ against Scotland to avoid doing England a favour but they should cruise to victory in this one.
Scotland have won both their completed matches but they were wins over Oman and Nambia.
If the match is washed out Scotland will progress but they will need to win this contest if England defeat Namibia the day before.
Adam Zampa has been in brilliant form through the tournament and is a candidate to end as the top wicket-taker.
Verdict: Adam Zampa Over 1.5 Wickets 6/10
Zampa has been red-hot. His wrist-spin trickery should be too much for the Scots to handle and he should pick up at least two wickets here.
