The title of this post may may look ridiculous but, unfortunately, it is true. India are placed in tougher of the two groups in Super 8s. The groups, both at preliminary stage and Super 8s, are decided by pre-tournament seedings. For more on seedings and preliminary groupings look at my earlier post
Why Australia, WI and SL are in one group in ICC T20 World Cup?
It is this structure that will make India (Seeded 1 in group A - A1) play against B2 (England), C1(Australia) and D2 (SA) provided they all win and go through to Super 8. Based on their current forms and odds the qualification of all these teams is likely barring England who have lost their easier game against Netherlands. England need to win against Pakistan to qualify to Super 8.
The top three favourites to pick the cup are India, SA and Australia (in that order). Excerpt from my one of my previous posts
Why India is serious contender for the ICC T20 World Cup?
"The betting sites have also given best odds to India closely followed by SA and Australia. At the time of posting this articles the Ladbrokes' odds for India were 5/2 while for SA and Australia were 7/2 and 11/2 respectively."
The other Super 8 group will also be formed on the basis of pre-tournament seedings. The second group will likely to have Bangladesh, Pakistan, SL and NZ. This would be a much easier group to qualify for semis. Ladbrokes' odds, at the time of writing, for NZ, Pakistan and SL are 7, 9 and 9 respectively.
Whether England qualify or not, first group in Super 8 will be the toughest. The team who will top the first group would have the best chance to win the trophy. As for India, they will be seriously tested only in super 8 (if they qualify for it). Their groupings could be biggest setback for them for title hunt.
No comments:
Post a Comment