With 27 of the 45 matches of World Cup 2019 already placed the competition has become delicately poised with no could yet absolutely confirm berth among top four for the knock out round. Theoretically other than Afghanistan languishing at the bottom all teams have opportunities for qualifying into business session. Some teams are favorable placed than the others. But with crucial matches against stronger teams coming up mo team is so far assured of their qualifications. Before going into detail discussion let us have a look at the points table as it stood after 27 match between Sri Lanka and England.

Each team would play 9 matches meaning every team meeting against one another once. The top four teams would proceed to semi finals where top team plays against the fourth and second with the third.

Of the teams Australia is in a relatively comfortable position sitting on the top with 10 points from 6 matches. They have lost only to India and won the rest. They have matches against England, New Zealand and South Africa. Australia will definitely get two or more points from these matches which will qualify them for the semifinals. New Zealand now at 2nd position with 9 pints from 5 matches have to play against Pakistan, Australia and England. It is not guaranteed that they will win any. They have to win at least two for an assured place among the top four. Host England losing against Pakistan and Sri Lanka has 8 points from 6 matches. Their outstanding matches area against Australia, India and New Zealand. They have to win at least two of the three which will be extremely challenging for them. India has played only 4, with 3 wins and a rain abandoned match pints they have 7. They have matches against Afghanistan, West Indies, England, Bangladesh and Sri Lanka. Strong India will most likely win at least three from the five which will guarantee them a place. 

Now with the situation like this of the top four the present standing Sri Lanka , Bangladesh have opportunities for displacing one or even two from the top four. Sri Lanka with two wins and two points from two rain abandoned matches have 6 points. They have matches against South Africa, West Indies and India. It may be very difficult for them to beat any of the three. While Bangladesh having 5 points from 6 matches have matches against Afghanistan, India and Pakistan. Bangladesh may win at least two of the three. Even winning three would not surprise any one the way they have conducted themselves in this world cup so far.

We are not sure whether there would be any more avalanche of rain. Hope sun keeps shinning and matches are played. From now on every match will almost become virtual knock out. West Indies and Pakistan may win matches against the top four making their position uncertain.

Sri Lanka successfully defending below par score of 232 against a very strong England has made the world cup wide open once again. Power packed English batting succumbed to Malinga spearheaded Lankan bowling dramatically.

BDST: 1127 HRS, JUN 22, 2019
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