In the 12th edition of the ICC Cricket World Cup, the last round of league matches is underway. Although the new format had received several criticisms before the tournament had commenced, all of that were laid down as the tournament progressed.

Also, it is worth noting here that the abandoned matches in the first half of the World Cup, which led to severe criticism of the International Cricket Council, have made the race to the semi-finals all the more exciting even when the last round is still on.

Australia earlier became the first team to qualify for the semi-finals- with seven wins from eight matches. They comfortably sit at the top of the table.

After a win against Bangladesh on Tuesday, India too secured a place in the semi-finals becoming the second team to do so. With only a point separating India (13 points) and Australia (14 points), the last round will decide who will finish as the table topper.

Among the remaining teams participating in this World Cup- Afghanistan, South Africa, West Indies, Sri Lanka and Bangladesh have been eliminated from the semi-finals race.

Three teams- New Zealand, England and Pakistan stay in the hunt for the remaining two places in the semi-final.

Current place in the points tally­­­

* 1 point from washed out matches

Note- Number of wins is the first tiebreaker in case points are equal, if number of wins are tied too, Net Run Rate (NRR) is considered

Qualification scenario

1. New Zealand- 11 points

For New Zealand, a win against England on Wednesday will seal the semi-final spot. However, even if they lose, they can still manage to reach the semi-finals. For that to happen, Pakistan should lose to Bangladesh in their last encounter. That will mean, New Zealand go through with 11 points.

If Pakistan wins against Bangladesh and New Zealand lose their match against England, both the teams will be tied at 11 points and Net Run Rate (NRR) will decide who will qualify for the semi-finals since both the teams have an equal number of wins.

2. England- 10 points

The hosts must defeat the Kiwis to ensure that they comfortably reach the semi-finals of the coveted tournament.

In case England lose this match, then Bangladesh will have to beat Pakistan to help England reach the semis.

3. Pakistan- 9 points

Unlike the other two teams, Pakistan’s situation in this World Cup is a bit complicated. To begin with, they must win their last league match against Bangladesh. If they falter here, they are out of the tournament.

Next, they would want England to lose against New Zealand so that a win against Bangladesh would get them to a semi-final place with 11 points.

However, if England wins their match against New Zealand, then both the teams will be levelled at 11 points and the team with the better run rate will go through to the semis.

As of now, Pakistan trail behind in the net run rate and in case New Zealand loses, only a win with a huge margin would be able to help Pakistan secure a place in the semis.