Two teams from Group-1 will advance to the semi-finals. But it is still not fixed which two teams will rise! Because the Group-1 battle in the Super-8 round is very exciting and changing. The outcome of each match could well affect the Group-1 table. So it is difficult to name the semi-finalists right now.

Four teams of Group-1 have played 1 match each. West Indies and South Africa have won their first matches, while India and Zimbabwe have lost. But these two teams who won the first match of Super Eight – West Indies and South Africa’s journey to Super Eight may end here! Their road to the semi-finals is not as easy as it seems.

Because the outcome of the next match in the Super-8 round, run-rate will play an important role. A big loss or a drop in run-rate could jeopardize their semi-final chances. So despite being at the top, they still need to be careful.

The equation says South Africa’s remaining two matches are against the West Indies and Zimbabwe. Their next match is against the West Indies, if they win that they will go to the semi-finals with 4 points. But if they lose both matches, their semi-final hopes will end.

And if South Africa win one of the two matches, their run-rate will be good. Because then the points of three teams can be equal (2-2) and the decision will be based on net run-rate. The situation in West Indies is similar. West Indies need to win the last two matches against South Africa and India to reach the semi-finals.

If they lose both matches, their journey to the Super-8 World Cup is over. And if only one match is lost then the run-rate should be kept in a good place, so that if three teams are equal on points they can be ahead on net run-rate basis.

If India win the remaining two matches by big margins, things could be bright for them. At the same time, the Indian team will hope that either South Africa or West Indies lose the remaining two matches. And even if West Indies beat South Africa, India will get advantage. Then the points of three teams will be 4. Then India has to keep its run-rate better than other teams.