Leeds: After 45 games of the 2019 World Cup in the group stage got over, the final four now know who will play who in the semi-finals.
Australia, India, England and New Zealand knew prior to Saturday’s final group matches that they would be in the top four and all that was to be decided was the end of group standings.
India’s seven wicket haul over Sri Lanka at Headingley ensured that they ended on top, leapfrogging Australia following their 10-run defeat by South Africa.
And here is how the two semi-finals will look.
Semi-final 1: India vs New Zealand at the Old Trafford, Manchester, July 9.
India on top will face fourth placed New Zealand, Tuesday. The two sides have not played each other at this World Cup as their game at Trent Bridge June 13 was abandoned without a ball bowled.
India finished the group stage with just one defeat — to England — to finish on 15 points from their nine matches. While after a good start to this World Cup, the Black Caps lost three games — to Pakistan, Australia and England — and ended on 11 points from their nine games.
Semi-final 2: Australia vs England at Edgbaston, Birmingham, July 11
Australia’s defeat in their final game to South Africa meant that they slipped down to second at the end of the group stages and will now face arch-rivals England at the Edgbaston, Thursday.
Aaron Finch’s men had defeated England in the group stage by 64 runs at Lord’s at the end of June.
Australia finished the group stage with two defeats — against India and South Africa — to finish at the second spot with 14 points. On the other hand, pre tournament favourites England started their campaign on an emphatic note. With two straight loses against Sri Lanka and Australia, their chances of making it to semifinals were in jeopardy. However, they came back strongly in their last two league games as they defeated India and New Zealand to finish at the third spot with 12 points.
IANS
