Only calculations gives hope to India
Two wins and India could still make it to the semi-finals of the World Cup, albeit with some help from other teams in the group.
With just one win from three matches, India are certainly looking down the barrel, but wins against England and South Africa over the next three days could considerably brighten their chances.
There are several permutations and combinations under which India could make the grade, but the hosts would need a miracle of sorts for that to happen.
However, here is an equation, and a possible one, which would ensure India’s passage to the next stage, that too on points basis. And it’s based on the assumption that India will win both their remaining pool matches and take their points tally to 9.
Beating Spain would put England, who are on 9 points, in the semi-finals and a draw in the game between Spain (6 points) and Australia (6 points) would end the Spaniards’ hopes as they will end with 7 points.
Australia’s chances would end even if they were held to a draw by Pakistan (3 points). That would mean Australia would end the pool stage with 8 points.
If Pakistan draw against Australia and beat South Africa, that would take points tally to 7 only. Under these circumstances, South Africa would finish with no points.