SACricketmag.com takes a look at how the quarter-finals of the World Cup are shaping up after Ireland’s defeat to India on Tuesday.
Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, New Zealand, India and Australia have already qualified for the 2015 World Cup quarter-finals, but who will likely fill the remaining three berths?
Victory over Pakistan will send Ireland through. Defeat, though, might suffice – provided West Indies lose to United Arab Emirates.
South Africa only have to beat UAE to move on. They could succesfully weather a shock defeat, too, if Ireland lose to Pakistan – but will have to rely on a better run-rate than the Windies, if the men from the Caribbean beat the UAE.
West Indies have to beat UAE by a substantial margin to increase their net run-rate – and trust Ireland lose to Pakistan. Even if they beat the UAE, a washout or tie in the Ireland v Pakistan fixture will send the Windies home.
Pakistan will book a spot in the final eight if victorious over the Irish. Defeat, though, will leave them jostling for the last quarter-final berth in Pool B alongside the West Indies. UAE triumph over the Windies, however, will send Pakistan straight through.
England, UAE, Zimbabwe, Scotland and Afghanistan have failed to advance.
