Kamal Ghorui
NEW DELHI: The race for the semi-finals at the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup has intensified, with the Super 8 stage entering its decisive phase.T20 World Cup Super 8 Points TableIn Group 2, co-hosts Sri Lanka national cricket team became the first team to be officially knocked out after suffering a 61-run defeat to New Zealand national cricket team on Wednesday.New Zealand posted 168/7 after being put in to bat by Sri Lanka captain Dasun Shanaka. In reply, Sri Lanka could manage only 107/8, bringing their campaign to an end. With Sri Lanka eliminated, the remaining teams in Group 2 stay firmly in the semi-final race.Latest Super 8 Group 2 Points Table:
| P | W | L | NR | Points | NRR | |
| England (Q) | 2 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 4 | +1.491 |
| New Zealand | 2 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 3 | + 3.050 |
| Pakistan | 2 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 1 | -0.461 |
| Sri Lanka (E) | 2 | 0 | 2 | 0 | 0 | -2.800 |
Group 1, meanwhile, is finely poised. West Indies cricket team lead the table with a massive net run rate following their 107-run win over Zimbabwe. South Africa national cricket team sit second after their commanding victory over India national cricket team, a result that significantly damaged India’s NRR.
Thursday will be crucial. West Indies face South Africa in Ahmedabad at 3pm IST, while India take on Zimbabwe in Chennai at 7pm IST.India must beat Zimbabwe to keep their hopes alive. They will also be hoping South Africa overcome West Indies, as both those sides possess strong net run rates while India’s remains heavily negative. The margins in these remaining games could ultimately decide who progresses to the semi-finals. Latest Super 8 Group 1 Points Table:
| P | W | L | NR | Points | NRR | |
| West Indies | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 2 | +5.350 |
| South Africa | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 2 | +3.800 |
| India | 1 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 | -3.800 |
| Zimbabwe | 1 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 | -5.350 |
The race for the semi-finals is well and truly underway.
