State of Play in Group 2: Pakistan win sets up final-day rumble

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Pakistan registered a comprehensive win over South Africa in Sydney and kept themselves afloat in the running for a semi-final spot. The result also ensures that it's all to play for in the final round of Group 2 games. We take a look at the state of play as things stand.

India’s narrow and nail-biting win over Bangladesh has sent them to the top with six points from four games and now placed comfortably to top the group should they beat Zimbabwe in their final match. On the flip side, they could still be caught if they are beaten by Zimbabwe in their final match.

South Africa had a chance to officially confirm their spot in the top two with a win over Pakistan on Thursday, but they fell well short of the DLS target and will have to win their final game against the Netherlands to seal a semi-final berth. However, should the Netherlands pull off an upset, it will open the door for either Pakistan or Bangladesh, who face off in the second game on Sunday, to win and book a spot in the final four.

The T20 World Cup Standings

The chances of a Pakistan appearance in the semi-finals will depend on other results. Should Netherlands or Zimbabwe register a win against South Africa or India respectively, Babar Azam's men will be in with a chance. But first and foremost, they will have to win their game against Bangladesh.

If the Netherlands manage to beat the Proteas, a win over Bangladesh will see Pakistan leapfrog South Africa to six points while Bavuma's men will remain on five. If Zimbabwe defeat India, Pakistan could be level on points with India. Given both teams would then have the same number of wins, the deciding factor will be the net run rate, which is where Pakistan (+1.117) currently hold an edge over India (+0.730).

If both the results from the other matches go Pakistan's way, Babar Azam's men could even top Group 2, something that seemed extremely unlikely when they lost their opening two matches to India and Zimbabwe.

But as things stand, both India and South Africa have their fates in their own hands. Win their respective matches and they are through to the semis.

Netherlands' win over Zimbabwe on Wednesday has effectively ruled them out of contention for an unlikely top two finish.

Had Sikandar Raza inspired his team to victory over the Dutch – and he did his best with limited assistance – then there could have been a chance for Zimbabwe to spring one of the biggest surprises in the history of the tournament.

All the T20 World Cup Fixtures

6 November: South Africa v Netherlands, Adelaide Oval

6 November: Pakistan v Bangladesh, Adelaide Oval

6 November: Zimbabwe v India, MCG, Melbourne