World Cup 2019: Here is how Pakistan, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka and England can still qualify for the semi-finals

With just a handful of league stage matches to come, the scene for ICC World cup 2019 semi-finals qualification is more and more becoming a mathematical equation to be solved. So far, only Australia have confirmed their spot in the top four with New Zealand and India not far behind, given that they require just one win each to make it into semis.

However, England, Pakistan, Bangladesh and Sri Lanka are not only short on points but have to win all their remaining matches. Besides, they also need the other teams to lose. The scenarios for all these teams are interesting and we will see what each of them needs to do in order to succeed.

Semi-finals qualification scenarios

Pakistan- 9 points from 8 matches

The Men in Green have done well after kicking off the tournament in a shaky manner as they lost to Windies, Australia and India. The Sarfraz Ahmed-led team has beaten South Africa, New Zealand, Afghanistan and England while they are yet to play Bangladesh. A win against the Tigers will give them 11 points, but a negative Net Run Rate might hamper their chances of barging into semis.

To make it into the final four, Pakistan needs to beat Bangladesh and hope that England loses both its matches to India and New Zealand. If New Zealand loses to England, it may still go through with a better Net Run Rate.

England- 8 points from 7 matches

The hosts have not had the tournament they wanted to have. For them to qualify, things are pretty simple, beat both India and New Zealand and they are through. However, only one win will give them 10 points and then they need Bangladesh to beat Pakistan. Also, Sri Lanka needs to win one of their remaining matches against West Indies and India – for England to be sure of a semis spot.

Bangladesh- 7 points from 7 matches

The only way Mashrafe Mortaza’s Bangladesh can make it into the semi-finals is by winning both their remaining games against India and Pakistan, a tough ask. However, they also need England to lose to Black Caps, which will give them 11 points and a place in the top four.

Sri Lanka- 6 points from 7 matches

For Sri Lanka to qualify into the semi-finals, there is a lot of permutation and combination to go their way. The emerald Islanders need to win their remaining games against India and West Indies, and then hope that Pakistan, England and Bangladesh lose their all their upcoming matches as well.