England claimed an important victory against India on last Sunday (30th June). Later, the former England captain Michael Vaughan has opened up his prediction about the semi-final contests of the ongoing Cricket World Cup. As Australia has already qualified for the semi-finals, Vaughan has named the other three teams along with the possible semi-final meetings.
The round-robin stage of the ongoing 2019 ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup has entered the last week. Australia, the defending champions, is the only team to secure the semi-final spot of this tournament after earning 14 points in eight matches.
Present scenarios of the other semi-final contenders
On the other hand, India and New Zealand both teams are very close to qualifying for the semi-finals. Both sides have already earned 11 points, and another point will secure their semi-finals berth. However, even without adding another point, both teams will still have very good chances to qualify for the semi-finals due to their higher net run-rates.
After their 31-run victory against India, England has also put one step forward to qualify for the semi-final. They have played eight matches in this tournament and have earned 10 points. Though England still need a victory to secure their semi-final spot, they have currently advantage. On Wednesday (3rd July), England will play their last round-robin stage match against New Zealand at Chester-le-Street.
Meanwhile, England’s victory against India has made the tougher job for Pakistan and Bangladesh. While both of them must have to win all their remaining matches, England’s defeat in their last round-robin stage match will also be essential to keep on their tournament’s semi-final hope. England’s victory against New Zealand or no result/tie is enough to end the semi-final hopes for Pakistan and Bangladesh.
After playing eight matches in this tournament, Pakistan have earned nine points. Meanwhile, Bangladesh have gained seven points after playing seven matches in this tournament. Though Bangladesh have better net run-rate than Pakistan, both have negative net run-rates.
Michael Vaughan showed the possible semi-final structures
In the meantime, Michael Vaughan has opened his semi-finals’ predictions of this tournament. He feels that New Zealand, England and India will qualify for the semi-finals of this tournament along with the defending champions Australia.
The first semi-final will be played on 9th July at Old Trafford (Manchester). Meanwhile, the second semi-final will be organised on 11th July at Edgbaston (Birmingham).
Vaughan believes Australia and New Zealand will play the first semi-final and England will face India in the second semi-final of this tournament.
On his official twitter account, Vaughan posted, “After yesterday’s result it looks it me like the Semis could be … Australia v NZ @ OT & England v India @ Edgbaston !!!!! #CWC19”
After yesterday’s result it looks it me like the Semis could be … Australia v NZ @ OT & England v India @ Edgbaston !!!!! #CWC19
— Michael Vaughan (@MichaelVaughan) July 1, 2019
The final of this tournament will be played on 14th July at Lord’s (London). Both the semi-final winners will qualify for the final of this tournament.
Unlike the round-robin stage, the knockout stages of this tournament will have one reserve day for each game.
