The ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2024 is nearing its halfway mark and qualifications to the semi-finals are starting to take shape. Each of the ten teams has played two games as of now and the competition is getting sharp.
Let’s break down how each team is faring in their groups.
Women’s T20 WC 2024 – Group A
Australia (4 points | +2.524 NRR)
Alyssa Healy’s Australia has asserted dominance in becoming the team to beat and dominated New Zealand handsomely in their second game. Having won two games already, Australia is well into contention for qualification into the semis. Another win should do the trick against Pakistan and qualify them into the knockout stage.
Pakistan (2 points | +0.555 NRR)
Pakistan had a great start, winning against Sri Lanka However, after losing to India, things have gotten problematic for them. They still require another win, and their next game against New Zealand will tell them how the balance will tilt in the end.
New Zealand (2 points | -0.050 NRR)
New Zealand faced the bitter pill of defeat but against a much better opponent in Australia after a great win over India. Their loss has affected their net run rate severely, however they still have the window open to book their semi-final spot. Their remaining matches against Sri Lanka and Pakistan are going to come crucial for them to be in the last four.
India (2 points | -1.217 NRR)
India lost their opening encounter to New Zealand and are still carrying some hope, soon got it back by beating Pakistan. However, they need to win at least one of their next games with a respectable margin so that their net run rate can improve.
Sri Lanka (0 points | -1.667 NRR)
Sri Lanka is left ahead of a crucible as they lose consecutive matches to hammer a few nails into their semi-final hopes. In order for them to reach the final four, they would have to win in their remaining two fixtures against India and New Zealand. Most importantly, they should win those matches with a good margin to enhance their net run rate.
Women’s T20 WC 2024 – Group B
England (4 points | +0.653 NRR)
England has dominated Group B with two good victories, including a crushing victory over South Africa. Heather Knight’s team looks very strong and might only need one more victory to seal a semi-final spot. Their next games are going to be crucial in confirming their strength in the group.
West Indies (2 points | +1.154 NRR)
West Indies responded pretty impressively after they were bashed in the opening game against South Africa, with an easy victory over Scotland. This win not only gave them vital points but also boosted their net run rate quite a bit. They will have to get a win over Bangladesh to further consolidate their qualification chances.
South Africa 2 points | +0.245 NRR)
South Africa still have the hope to reach into the semis after the loss against England. The crucial thing is that they have two games against Scotland and Bangladesh remaining. If the Proteas win both of their matches, there would be no one stopping them from advancing as both of these teams are on two points with different NRRs.
Bangladesh (2 points | -0.125 NRR)
Bangladesh won their match for the first time after a wait of ten long years in ICC Women’s T20 World Cup. They won the opening match against Scotland, but lost to England which made their qualification hopes dependent on their performance against West Indies and South Africa.
Scotland (0 points | -1.897 NRR)
Scotland is a team that has made first steps in the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup. Since they have only produced occasional highlights, Scotland is in a tight spot. They still have South Africa and England to face and only a miracle can help them reach the tournament’s second stage.
What’s Up Next?
The coming few matches are very exciting and those groups are sure to heat up even more as they fight for semi-final berths. Teams are racing against time to secure their places, and the next set of matches will be crucial in deciding the teams that advance into the knockout stages. Exciting cricket is something that fans may look forward to with the way the tournament unfolds at Dubai and Sharjah.
The Sportz Planet Desk,
Atharva Shetye
