KOLKATA: Twenty three days into the 2011 World Cup and with 15 matches in Group B already behind us, if there is still a lingering doubt about Team India's passage to the next round, blame it on those who jumped the gun, prompting skipper Mahendra Singh Dhoni to labour under the misconception that his team has already made the cut.
Contrary to general belief, India are not yet guaranteed of a place in the last eight, nor the Proteas, who held their nerves splendidly in Nagpur on Saturday to put it across the blundering hosts.
There is a very slim possibility that the Men in Blue - with seven points, from three wins and a tie, under their belt - may fail to make the cut under one particular scenario.
If India in their final match lose to the West Indies, who in turn lose to England; Bangladesh win their remaining two games against Netherlands and South Africa and Graeme Smith's side beats Ireland, it would leave three teams (WI, SA and Bangladesh) with eight points apiece, leaving India and England tied on seven points each.
The fourth and final spot will then be decided on Net Run Rate (NRR). India currently have a much better NRR (+0.768) than England (-0.013), but a big defeat to the Windies and a big win for England can mean end of the road for Dhoni's boys.
South Africa, too, have to win at least one of their remaining two games (Ireland and Bangladesh) to confirm their quarterfinal ticket. If South Africa and the West Indies win their remaining games, India will go through as the third team. On the other hand, if the calypso boys oust England and lose to India, Dhoni and Co will finish 2nd in the group. They may even top it, in case the Proteas falter in one of their matches.
Bangladesh must first beat the Netherlands and hope that Sammy's boys will pull the plug on England before taking on South Africa.
Contrary to general belief, India are not yet guaranteed of a place in the last eight, nor the Proteas, who held their nerves splendidly in Nagpur on Saturday to put it across the blundering hosts.
There is a very slim possibility that the Men in Blue - with seven points, from three wins and a tie, under their belt - may fail to make the cut under one particular scenario.
If India in their final match lose to the West Indies, who in turn lose to England; Bangladesh win their remaining two games against Netherlands and South Africa and Graeme Smith's side beats Ireland, it would leave three teams (WI, SA and Bangladesh) with eight points apiece, leaving India and England tied on seven points each.
The fourth and final spot will then be decided on Net Run Rate (NRR). India currently have a much better NRR (+0.768) than England (-0.013), but a big defeat to the Windies and a big win for England can mean end of the road for Dhoni's boys.
South Africa, too, have to win at least one of their remaining two games (Ireland and Bangladesh) to confirm their quarterfinal ticket. If South Africa and the West Indies win their remaining games, India will go through as the third team. On the other hand, if the calypso boys oust England and lose to India, Dhoni and Co will finish 2nd in the group. They may even top it, in case the Proteas falter in one of their matches.
Bangladesh must first beat the Netherlands and hope that Sammy's boys will pull the plug on England before taking on South Africa.
