The Men in Blue qualified for the semifinals of the ongoing T20 World Cup in Australia after the Netherlands beat South Africa by 13 runs at the Adelaide Oval on Sunday.
The Dutch victory ensured that the Proteas remained on five points after five matches in Group 2 of the Super 12s and they are all set to miss out on a semifinal spot.
Meanwhile, India, on six points in their kitty, qualified automatically to the top four spot ahead of their last group encounter against Zimbabwe in Melbourne later in the day.
South Africa have now handed the winner of the Pakistan (four points) and Bangladesh (four points) match an opportunity to qualify for the semifinals berth. They are currently locking horns at the same venue in the second match of the day.
Netherlands’ stunning victory also puts it in a good position to finish in the top four in Group 2. They have a great chance to qualify directly for the 2024 T20 World Cup. The next edition of the mega event will be co-hosted by the United States of America and the West Indies.
Meanwhile, India will finish on top of Group 2 with eight points if they manage to beat minnow Zimbabwe in their last group match later on the day. The Men in Blue will then face England in the second semifinal at the Adelaide Oval on Thursday. If India will be defeated, they could finish second and face New Zealand in the first semifinal in Sydney on Wednesday.
If India face England
Head to head Stats in T20
Total matches played – 22
India won – 12 (54.54%)
England won – 10 (43.45%)
If India face New Zealand
Head to head Stats in T20
Total matches played – 20
India won – 11 (55%)
England won – 9 (45%)