Here is how India can still play tri-series final

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:

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