With two matches left in Group A at the ICC Champions Trophy, England have confirmed a spot in the semi-finals while the other spot is still up for grabs with the other three teams in contention.
With four points from two matches, the hosts have also assured themselves of finishing in first position. While Australia can also finish the group stages with four points, they cannot overtake England as the team from Down Under will have lesser wins what come may.
If two teams are equal on points, the first factor used to separate the sides is the number of wins. If that is also the same, then net run-rate is considered.
For Australia, the scenario is simple: beat England and they are through to the last four. Having seen both their games so far abandoned due to rain, Steve Smith’s side now have two points. A win against England will take them to four points and it’ll be impossible for New Zealand or Bangladesh to catch up.
For New Zealand (currently on one point), they need to get the better of Bangladesh and hope that England do them a favour in the other match by defeating Australia or the match between the Ashes rivals is washed out.
Bangladesh, also on one point, are in a similar situation, with them needing a win against New Zealand and requiring Australia not to beat England.
The Tigers have a slight advantage over the Blackcaps, as with a higher net run-rate, a no result in case of rain could still see them qualify, provided England beat Australia by a sizeable margin.
Here, we look at the various scenarios.
| New Zealand vs Bangladesh | England vs Australia | Who goes through |
|---|---|---|
| New Zealand win | England win | 1) England, 2) New Zealand |
| New Zealand win | Australia win | 1) England, 2) Australia |
| New Zealand win | No Result | 1) England, 2) New Zealand |
| No Result | England win | 1) England, 2) Australia/Bangladesh (depends on net run-rate) |
| No Result | Australia win | 1) England, 2) Australia |
| No Result | No Result | 1) England, 2) Australia |
| Bangladesh win | England win | 1) England, 2) Bangladesh |
| Bangladesh win | Australia win | 1) England, 2) Australia |
| Bangladesh win | No Result | 1) England, 2) Bangladesh |
