20-20 World Cup: Here's how India can advance to the semi-finals

New Zealand has been India’s nightmare in global events. The ‘nice guys' knocked a punch on Virat Kohli-led team in the 2019 50-Over World Cup semi-final and carried that domination to the 20-20 World Cup. The Kane Williamson-led side handed India an eight-wicket thrashing to put their campaign in jeopardy.

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The story, sub-plot, and ingredients were all the same this time around too. A familiar shaky start at the top order, no big players contributing to a good score, and dismal bowling performance sealed India’s second loss in the marquee tournament. Worst, this bitter defeat has also adversely affected the net run rate which has dropped down to -1.609.

However, all is not lost as team India still have remote chances of making it to the semifinals. For that to happen though, India need to win all their remaining games against Afghanistan, Scotland, and Namibia by big margins. Next, the Kohli-led side will need New Zealand to lose at least one of their remaining three games.

India will next face Afghanistan in a do-or-die match on Wednesday (November 3). The task won’t be easy as Afghanistan managed to run Pakistan close and also thrashed Namibia and Scotland. Kohli and his troops can ill-afford to take the Asian team lightly. After competing against Mohammad Nabi and his men, India will face Scotland on Friday (November 5) before winding the Super 12 stage by facing Namibia on Monday (November 8).

For New Zealand, the scenario is pretty straightforward. They need to win at least two of their remaining games to qualify. Currently, Pakistan are sitting pretty at the top and have only Scotland and Namibia left to face. By the looks of it, the team should finish first. Afghanistan also can make it to the last four but they need to win either against India or New Zealand.