With three upsets coming back to back in three days, Champions Trophy is no more a predictable tournament. The resurgence of three sub-continent teams (rather considered minnows) in as many days has made this tournament fascinating, to say the least.
Situations have come down to last few days before the teams are off for the semis. England was the first team to qualify for the semis from group A. But Australia has a do-or-die situation on hand due to all of their games being washed out and now they have to win against England to get into the last four.
On the other hand, New Zealand after a loss to Bangladesh is knocked out and even the Bangladesh is in the race for the semis if Australia loses. Group B is even more complex where all the teams still have a firm chance.
The seven-wicket win by Angelo Mathews’ men leaves each team in Group B with two points apiece, which turns Sunday’s India-South Africa match and Monday’s Sri Lanka-Pakistan fixture into virtual quarter-finals.
Just before that, Sachin Tendulkar picked up his top four favourite teams for the semifinals. He speaks of his teams on a special video made by International Cricket Council (ICC). His top four teams are – England, Australia, India and Pakistan.
He also voiced a thought that if Pakistan fields well they are through otherwise it’s going to be Sri Lanka from Group B.
India needs to beat South Africa to cruise off to the semis. In the event of a washout, however, India’s superior run rate will help them qualify for the semi-finals, regardless of the outcome of the other game.
Aside from defeating Pakistan, the only other way Sri Lanka can book a berth in the next round is if their own match is washed out, but the India-South Africa fixture produces a result.