India lost the four-match Test series against Australia 0-2 and are yet to post a win in the ongoing ODI tri-series against the hosts and England.
With two losses in two games, India’s chances of making it to the final of the tri-series look very bleak. Had England beaten Australia on Friday, India would have left with a daunting task of winning both their remaining matches with at least one bonus point. However, England’s defeat to Australia on Friday has given India a lifeline. Yet, the task ahead for India is not easy.
This is how the points table looks as of now:
|
|
Mts |
Won |
Lost |
NR |
Points |
Net Run-Rate |
|
Australia |
3 |
3 |
0 |
0 |
13 |
+0.467 |
|
England |
3 |
1 |
2 |
0 |
5 |
+0.481 |
|
India |
2 |
0 |
2 |
0 |
0 |
-1.356 |
Australia are already through to the final, with England and India in the race for the remaining slot.
Let us examine the various scenarios for India:
a) India beat both Australia and England:India will be through with 8 points ahead of England.
b) India beat Australia but lose to England:India will be eliminated and England will be through.
c) India lose to Australia but beat England: A normal win will not suffice for India since they will end up with four points, whereas England have five points. India will need to beat England with a bonus point. Such a result will put both India and England at level with five points. The net run-rate will be the deciding factor. Here also India are at a disadvantage. India’s current net run-rate is -1.356. The defeat against Australia will bring it down further. Even if India lose to Australia by the lowest possible margin of 1 run, India will need to beat England in about 32 overs or by around 90 runs. Such a daunting task lies ahead of India!
d) India’s match against Australia ends in a tie/no result: In such a scenario, India will need to just beat England. Even one run win will see them through.
It is clear that India have their back against a wall. No side can plan a tie or a no result game. And India may miss out even after beating England with a bonus point. The best way for India is to just give their best in both their remaining games and walk in to the final with two wins.
-Rajneesh Gupta
