NEW DELHI: South Africa going down to the Netherlands by 13 runs at the Adelaide Oval on Sunday not only sent them crashing out of the T20 World Cup but also opened up the gates of the semis for three subcontinental teams.
The result meant that table toppers India qualified for the semi-finals. Even if India, who are on 6 points currently, lose to Zimbabwe in their last group game, no team can go past India on points. What that result will decide is what India's NRR finishes at, which will decide who takes the top spot in Group 2.
The Dutch stunning the Proteas has also made the second match of the day on Sunday - between Pakistan and Bangladesh - a virtual quarterfinal. The winner of this match will join India in the semis.
Both Pakistan and Bangladesh have four points each and the winner (if there is a result) will take the winner to six. India, sitting on top of the group table, are already on six points.
Chasing 159 for victory, South Africa finished on 145/8 vs the Netherlands to be eliminated. This comes a day after defending champions Australia too were shown the door.
India face Zimbabwe later in the day at the MCG, but all eyes will now be on the Pakistan-Bangladesh clash.
India had beaten both Pakistan and Bangladesh in thrilling matches of the league stage.
This is Netherlands first win over South Africa in any format.
On Saturday, hosts and defending champions Australia were knocked out after England beat Sri Lanka in Sydney. New Zealand are already through to the semis.
Now, the million dollar question is - Who will join India in the semis from Group 2? If Pakistan go through, an India vs Pakistan final will become a possibility.
THE SEMIS SITUATION:
GROUP 1: New Zealand & England
GROUP 2: India & Pakistan/Bangladesh
