New Delhi, India

New Zealand’s chances of playing in the T20 World Cup 2024 Super 8 stage took heavy dent on Wednesday (June 12) after their defeat to co-hosts West Indies. The 13-run defeat for the BlackCaps sees them pointless after two matches. This also leaves them at the mercy of other teams losing and dropping points to reach the Super 8 stage. So here are the equations by which New Zealand can still reach the Super 8 stage with Afghanistan still in danger of missing out.

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New Zealand on the brink

Currently pointless after two matches, New Zealand will have to win both their matches to stand any chance of Super 8 qualification. Those wins have to be coupled with defeats for Afghanistan in their remaining two matches by a big margin. In this case, the second spot will be decided on net run rate (NRR) where the BlackCaps should have a better return.

For this to happen, New Zealand must beat Uganda and Papua New Guinea with a significant margin. However, if Afghanistan win either of their remaining two matches which are against Papua New Guinea and the West Indies, Kane Williamson’s side will face elimination. Chances of Afghanistan winning against Papua New Guinea are high considering the experience of the side. If the result does take place on Thursday (June 13), then New Zealand will pack their bags early.

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What role will weather play?

In case rain plays a big role it will favour Afghanistan as they need only one point to seal qualification to the Super 8 of the T20 World Cup. In a scenario where rain interrupts play in New Zealand’s matches,  Williamson's team would still face elimination as they won’t finish in the top two. In case matches are washed out due to rain in the T20 World Cup, points are shared with both teams getting one point each.

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Remaining matches in Group C

Afghanistan vs Papua New Guinea, June 13

New Zealand vs Uganda, June 14

West Indies vs Afghanistan, June 17

New Zealand vs Papua New Guinea, June 17