Australia's victory over New Zealand at Port Elizabeth opens up a range of possibilities in the Super Sixes stage. Only one thing is certain, the Aussies, with 20 points, will top the table in the second stage of the tournament.
India will, in all likelihood, be second, irrespective of the result of their match against the Kiwis.
There is only one team that can overtake the Indians now. As improbable as it may sound, the only team that has a chance of overtaking India is Kenya!
Let's have a look at what Tuesday's result has done for the others teams in the running.
Australia: (20 points)
They will definitely finish first. The only team that can match them is India. And Australia will still be tops since they have beaten India.
India: (16 points)
The match against New Zealand is almost inconsequential. India is likely to finish second to Australia whether they win or not. The only possibility of this not happening is if Kenya beat both Zimbabwe (possible) and Australia (very unlikely). The Kenyans will then go to 18 points. Then, if India lose to the Kiwis, India could end up third. Either way, India plays it's semi-final in Durban on March 20 and the opponent is definitely not Australia.
Kenya: (10 points)
A victory against either Zimbabwe or Australia ensures them a semi-final place. Even two defeats will not put them out but they will have to wait for favourable results from other matches. (India should beat New Zealand and Sri Lanka should beat Zimbabwe).
New Zealand: (8 points)
The equation is straightforward for them. Beat India and they are in the semis or they are almost out. (They still have a chance only if Zimbabwe beats Sri Lanka but loses to Kenya)
Sri Lanka: (7.5 points)
They have to beat Zimbabwe or they are out. Even that win will not ensure them a place in the semis. (India has to beat New Zealand and Australia has to beat Kenya).
Zimbabwe: (3.5 points)
Even they have a chance now. But they have to beat Kenya and Sri Lanka or they are out. Then if India beat New Zealand and Australia beat Kenya, they are through.