The Proteas have qualified for the ICC T20 World Cup Super 8 stage ahead of their match against the UAE in New Delhi on Wednesday.
Aiden Markram’s team have a full house of six points and net run-rate of 1.477 after three matches and can now not be overtaken after Afghanistan beat the UAE by five wickets at the Arjun Jaitley Stadium on Monday morning. The Proteas played all three matches in Ahmedabad but have now travelled to New Delhi, where they have an optional training on Monday.
New Zealand are currently on four points and are still to play Canada to secure their qualification, although Afghanistan will be hoping the North Americans can stage an upset to keep them in contention for a place in the Super 8.
The Proteas are the third side to qualify for the Super 8 after victories over Canada, Afghanistan and New Zealand. Hosts and defending champions India have already qualified, along with former two-time champions West Indies, are the other two sides to have qualified for the Super 8 already.
All eyes will be on Group B where four teams have a chance of qualifying for the Super 8 after Zimbabwe’s shock victory over Australia.
Even if Australia win their two remaining matches, it will come down to net run-rate, if Sri Lanka beat Zimbabwe, and Zimbabwe beat Ireland. In that case, Australia, Sri Lanka and Zimbabwe will end up on six points, with Ireland on two.
A Sri Lanka win against Australia will guarantee qualification. Even if they lose, Sri Lanka will make the Super 8 if they beat Zimbabwe, and if Zimbabwe lose to Ireland or Australia lose to Oman. Zimbabwe’s chances are straightforward: Beat Sri Lanka on Thursday and they will qualify.
