England’s encounter versus New Zealand was crucial for the former if they wanted to stay in the race for the semi-finals of the ongoing T20 World Cup. Their 20-run win over the Kiwis has now jeopardised Australia’s chances, given that England have five points and a superior net run rate than them.
Defending champions, Australia, are currently placed third in their group. Former Indian batter Wasim Jaffer believes Australia’s loss to New Zealand will hurt them. He predicts England and New Zealand to seal their spots in the final four.
Wasim Jaffer said in BatBricks7 Run Ki RunNeeti after the England-New Zealand game:
“I think Australia’s 89-run defeat against New Zealand in their first match will hurt them as their net run rate is still poor. Even all three teams (Australia, England, and New Zealand) win their last match, and if someone registers a very big victory then it will be a different thing, but England and New Zealand will go through.”
New Zealand and Australia will play their last league game on Friday, November 4, whereas England will play the following day, on the 5th, against Sri Lanka. England will have a considerable advantage as they will get clarity on whether they need to win or win the game by a significant margin.
“England have the advantage” – Wasim Jaffer
Australia will face a challenge against Afghanistan as they not only need to win the game but also win by a significant margin so that their run rate is superior to England’s. The Aussies can also go through if Sri Lanka beat England in their final game.
However, Wasim Jaffer reckoned that England will have an advantage heading into the last league game.
“England (who plays the last game) have the advantage that they will be playing with a target in mind. But they are playing against Sri Lanka so it will be a tough match but at least they can control the net run rate if they win the toss and bowl first in the last match. And I think Australia will struggle a little bit in their last game,” Jaffer added.
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