Unlike Group A, which was supposed to be the tougher of the two groups in the qualification round of the ICC T20 World Cup 2021, But, Group B is far more complicated following Scotland’s win over Bangladesh on Sunday. In terms of NRR, the three teams-Scotland, Oman, and Bangladesh-are separated by only 0.113 points. Fun fact, all three have an equal chance of qualifying. Here’s what each team needs to do to qualify.
Bangladesh
If Bangladesh beats PNG and Oman loses to Scotland, NRR will be removed from the equation. Bangladesh will join Scotland in qualifying for the Super 12. Bangladesh will qualify for sure if they beat PNG by three runs or more. Even if Scotland loses by the bare minimum of one run. Because Bangladesh will end with a higher NRR than Scotland, with three teams tied on four points each. However, if Bangladesh loses by one run to PNG, Scotland must beat Oman by at least five runs (after both score 150 batting first) for them to sneak in under a better NRR than Oman after three teams are tied on two points each.
Scotland
Despite winning both matches and sitting atop the table, a slip-up in their final Group B match against hosts Oman could lead to their elimination. With a win over Oman, they will advance to the Super 12 as the group’s toper. However, if Scotland loses by even a single run (if chasing 124+), they will be tied on four points with Oman and Bangladesh (if Bangladesh beats PNG) and will be eliminated if Bangladesh beats PNG by three or more runs. Scotland plays Oman in the evening game on Thursday, so they will be familiar with the equation ahead of time.
Oman
Despite the loss to Bangladesh, Oman still controls its destiny. All they need is a win against Scotland in the final game to qualify due to their superior NRR. (For Oman’s NRR to remain ahead of Scotland’s, they would need to score 124 or more if they won by a margin of at least one run.) If Oman loses to Scotland, PNG must defeat Bangladesh so that all three teams are tied on two points with NRR to determine the qualifier. If Oman loses by seven runs after conceding 150, Bangladesh must lose by at least four runs chasing 150 to PNG for Oman’s NRR to finish ahead of Bangladesh’s.
PNG
If Oman beats Scotland, PNG will be eliminated regardless of their result against Bangladesh. Because both Oman and Scotland will have four points. The Barramundis need to beat Bangladesh by around 44 runs batting first for their NRR to pass that of Bangladesh. Then hope Scotland beats Oman by at least 42 runs after posting 150 for Oman’s NRR to fall below that of PNG.
ICC T20 World Cup 2021: Team news
Bangladesh
Bangladesh is likely to stick with the same XI that beat Oman.
Possible XI:
- Mohammad Naim,
- Liton Das,
- Shakib Al Hasan,
- Mushfiqur Rahim,
- Mahmudullah (capt),
- Afif Hossain,
- Nurul Hasan (wk),
- Mahedi Hasan,
- Mohammad Saifuddin,
- Taskin Ahmed,
- Mustafizur Rahman
PNG
Batter Hiri Hiri, left-arm spinner Jason Kila, and pace-bowling allrounder Gaudi Toka are yet to play, so PNG may consider giving them a chance.
Possible XI:
- Tony Ura,
- Lega Siaka,
- Assad Vala (capt),
- Charles Amini,
- Sese Bau,
- Simon Atai,
- Norman Vanua,
- Kiplin Doriga (wk),
- Chad Soper,
- Nosaina Pokana,
- Kabua Morea
