India is safely through to the semifinal after yesterday's win over Bangladesh. Australia is the only other team that is confirmed for the semis. We are now at a stage when the performance of other teams is likely to decide the fate of the teams that hope to make it to the semis. Here is the latest points table of World Cup 2019, some stats and tweets that explain the last couple of matches.
The five teams from the bottom are out: Afghanistan, South Africa and the West Indies are out; as are Bangladesh and Sri Lanka. These teams go home after their league matches. New Zealand, England and Pakistan are the contenders for the other two semifinal spots. Pakistan can make it only if they beat Bangladesh and if England loses to New Zealand.
There are still five league matches left. Much hinges on today's clash between England and New Zealand and probably the Pakistan-Bangladesh clash on Friday. However, some matches will have no bearing on the fate of the competition: the Afghanistan-West Indies match on Thursday, Sri Lanka-India and Australia-South Africa matches on Saturday will be only of academic interest.
Sri Lanka made 338 while losing six wickets in their 50 overs. The West Indians started slow and tentative. Chris Gayle or Universe Boss as some call him seemed to be getting into his stride with a couple of sixes, but got out at 35.
The Windies top order predictably collapsed and the team was reeling at 84 for four by the 18th over. The middle order steadied the innings and Pooran even made 118 off 103 balls. However, ultimately, the West Indians lost by 23 runs.
Singer Rihanna was a surprise supporter for the West Indian team. She was seen meeting the players after the match and also her former teacher and current West Indian assistant coach Roddy Estwick.
India piled up 314 run after a strong opening partnership. K L Rahul looked a little tentative but made 77 off 92.
Rohit Sharma made 104 off 92 to get his fourth century in this world cup (the most by any Indian in a world cup).
After losing the openers and Virat Kohli failing to fire; Rishabh Pant steadied the innings and chipped in with a valuable 48 off 41.
Though the former skipper got a decent 35 off 33, fans thought he should have done more.
Apparently, one has to simply hit out at everything in the last few overs. Dhoni did the unforgivable by not doing so.
Former player Sanjay Manjrekar's commentary came in for a lot of flak.
People were so irritated by his commentary that mute #SanjayManjrekar was trending on Twitter and people shared screenshots of muting the commentary every time he came on.
Ultimately, India won. Bangladesh put up a great fight but lost by 28 runs in the end. A senior fan was seen to be showering her blessings on the Indian players – it was a fitting end to a good match, thought the tweeple; the clip quickly going viral.
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