PremiumODI World Cup 2023: After 5 wins, how many points are needed for India to secure a semi-final spot?
With five wins from the nine games, the question arises can India reach the semi-finals of the ICC Men's ODI World Cup 2023?
Last Updated: 04.31 PM, Oct 23, 2023
Hosts India remain undefeated in the ICC Men's ODI World Cup 2023 after they started their campaign with a victory against the 'mighty' Australia and continued their winning streak with triumphs over Afghanistan, arch-rivals Pakistan, Bangladesh, and most recently, arch-nemesis New Zealand.
Following their thrilling four-wicket victory over the Kiwis in Dharamsala on Sunday night, India has secured their fifth consecutive win, claiming the top spot on the points table with 10 points to their name.
With five wins from the nine games, the question arises: How many more points do the Men in Blue need to qualify for the semi-finals?
The answer is that the hosts are just one win away from likely confirming their place in the semi-finals of this prestigious tournament. Currently topping the points table with 10 points from their five wins, another victory would take them to 12 points, which is highly likely to secure their spot in the last four.
Should India reach the semi-finals, it will mark their fourth consecutive appearance in this stage of the 50-over World Cup. India memorably won the 2011 World Cup at home and made it to the knockout stages in 2015 and 2019.
In their previous World Cup appearance in 2019, India claimed top honours in the group stage with seven wins and one no-result out of 10 matches, amassing 15 points. New Zealand had also advanced with five wins and one no-result, totalling 11 points, while England and Australia finished second and third with seven and six wins, respectively.
India's next challenge will be against defending champions England on Sunday, October 28. While it's a do-or-die game for England, for the home team, it's an opportunity to confidently progress into the knockout stage.