Will India make to the semi-finals if Sunday's match against Zimbabwe is rained out?

Even though India leads Super 12 Group B in points, they are failed to advance to the T20 World Cup final four. The Men in Blue take on Zimbabwe at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) on Sunday in their final group-stage game. In order for India to go to the semifinals, the game must end in their favour.

Losing puts India at risk of being eliminated from the T20 World Cup, hence it cannot afford to lose the game. India presently has 6 points from 4 games, having won 3 (against Pakistan, the Netherlands, and Bangladesh) and dropped one (against South Africa). In addition to India, South Africa has five points in four games and is one of the favourites to qualify. Pakistan and Bangladesh both have four points, giving them a remote possibility of qualifying.

However, with just three points from their four games, Zimbabwe is unlikely to advance. But in a stunning T20 World Cup surprise, the underdogs from Africa already defeated the far more powerful Pakistan. When facing Zimbabwe, India cannot afford to be complacent. The concern is what will happen if the match ends in a disappointing washout, even if a win will easily advance India.

Both India and Zimbabwe will receive one point each if there is another downpour at the MCG on Sunday. A single point would bring India's overall score to 7 points, putting the Men in Blue in a secure position to qualify.

If they defeat relative unknowns Netherlands, second-placed South Africa will be able to earn up to 7 points. Only if they win when they face each other on the same day, though, would third- and fourth-placed Pakistan and Bangladesh be able to reach six points. India will continue to rank higher than them in the top two positions, advancing them to the T20 World Cup semifinals.