The race for a place in the World Cup semi-finals is hotting up, with all 10 sides still in contention for a top-four finish. Hosts India look almost certain to make the last four, while South Africa, New Zealand and Australia currently occupy the remaining qualification positions. But the chasing pack, even holders England, know a late run of results could see them make it through instead. The top seven will also qualify for the 2025 Champions Trophy alongside hosts Pakistan, though eighth place will be enough if Pakistan seal a top-seven finish. This is what each team need from their remaining games:
India
Current points: 12 Maximum points possible: 18
India will guarantee a semi-final place if they win one of their remaining three matches. Even three defeats is likely to be enough with an unlikely combination of results needed to see the hosts knocked out.
Verdict: Already have one foot in the last four and looking good to go the whole way. A banker.
South Africa
Current points: 10 Maximum points possible: 16
South Africa will guarantee a semi-final place with two wins from their final three matches. One win, or even none, may be enough depending on other results.
Verdict: Would be a big surprise if they failed to make the knockout phase from here. Nearly there.
New Zealand
Current points: 8 Maximum points possible: 14
To be sure of a semi-final spot New Zealand need to win their remaining three group games. Two wins, or even one or none, may be enough depending on other results.
Verdict: A few nerves but things are still in their favor. Should make it.
Australia
Current points: 8 Maximum points possible: 14
Australia will need three wins from their remaining three group games to be guaranteed of a place in the final four. Two wins, or even one or none, may be enough depending on other results.
Verdict: The momentum is with them to reach the last four after overcoming a sticky start. Should progress.
Afghanistan
Current points: 6 Maximum points possible: 12
They will need to win at least one of their final three games as things stand to have a chance of progressing to the knockout stages, but realistically may need two or three wins, with Australia and New Zealand likely to pick up points.
Verdict: Have given themselves a chance with three big wins, but still a tough ask with games against Australia and South Africa to come.
Sri Lanka
Current points: 4 Maximum points possible: 10
To reach the semi-finals they need at least two wins from their final three games, but that requires Australia and New Zealand to lose their remaining matches and for Sri Lanka to improve their net run-rate.
Verdict: Defeat by Afghanistan has made it very tough. Highly unlikely.
Pakistan
Current points: 4 Maximum points possible: 10
Pakistan need at least two wins from their final three games, but that requires Australia and New Zealand to lose their remaining matches and them to improve their net run-rate.
Verdict: Would realistically need others to implode and a specific combination of results. Highly unlikely.
Netherlands
Current points: 4 Maximum points possible: 10
The associate nation need at least two wins from their remaining three matches, but that requires Australia and New Zealand to lose their remaining matches and to improve their net run-rate.
Verdict: Would need to pull off a few shock wins and a specific set of results elsewhere go in their favor. Highly unlikely.
Bangladesh
Current points: 2 Maximum points possible: 8
To reach the semi-finals they need three wins from their remaining three matches while significantly improving their net run-rate and hoping for a freakish set of results elsewhere.
Verdict: Chances practically over after losing to the Netherlands.
England
Current points: 2 Maximum points possible: 8
The World Cup holders need three wins from their remaining three matches while dramatically improving their run-rate and an extraordinary set of results elsewhere to reach the semi-finals.
Verdict: Barely a hope with in-form Australia to come in their next match. Praying for a miracle.
Remaining fixtures:
Wednesday, November 1, Pune
New Zealand v South Africa (2:30pm)
Thursday, November 2, Mumbai
India v Sri Lanka (2:30pm)
Friday, November 3, Lucknow
Afghanistan v Netherlands (2:30pm)
Saturday, November 4, Bengaluru and Ahmedabad
New Zealand v Pakistan (11am) and Australia v England (2:30pm)
Sunday, November 5, Kolkata
India v South Africa (2:30pm)
Monday, November 6, New Delhi
Bangladesh v Sri Lanka (2:30pm)
Tuesday, November 7, Mumbai
Afghanistan v Australia (2:30pm)
Wednesday, November 8, Pune
England v Netherlands (2:30pm)
Thursday, November 9, Bengaluru
New Zealand v Sri Lanka (2:30pm)
Friday, November 10, Ahmedabad
Afghanistan v South Africa (2:30pm)
Saturday, November 11, Pune and Kolkata
Australia v Bangladesh (11am) and England v Pakistan (2:30pm)
Sunday, November 12, Bengaluru
India v Netherlands (2:30pm)
Semi-finals
Wednesday, November 15, Mumbai (2:30pm)
Thursday, November 16, Kolkata (2:30pm)
Final
Sunday, November 19, Ahmedabad (2:30pm)
* Bangladesh time