India gave a massive boost to their hopes of reaching the semi-final with a victory against Scotland | Photo Credit: AP

ICC T20 World Cup 2021: How can India qualify for semi-final after comprehensive win over Scotland

India's comprehensive eight-wicket victory over New Zealand has put them back in contention to qualify for the semi-final of the 2021 T20 World Cup. Here is how the Men in Blue can qualify for the semi-final

by · Times Now · Join

Key Highlights

  • India beat Scotland by eight wickets in their fourth game of the T20 World Cup
  • The Men in Blue still have a chance of making the semi-final
  • India's fate depends on the result of the game between Afghanistan and New Zealand

India put up a near-perfect performance against Scotland to register a comprehensive eight-wicket victory in the 2021 T20 World Cup. The Men in Blue chased the target of 86 in 6.3 overs to give a massive boost to their Net Run Rate (NRR). 

As a result of the victory, India have overtaken both New Zealand and Afghanistan's NRR. This will put them in a prime position to make the semi-final with a victory against Namibia if Afghanistan defeat New Zealand. 

How things stand in Group 2

As things stand, New Zealand are second in the group with six points and an NRR of 1+.277. India and Afghanistan are level on four points but the Men in Blue pipe them on NRR for third sport. 

Currently, India have an NRR of +1.619 while Afghanistan are on +1.481. This means that India will need to just better Afghanistan's victory margin against New Zealand to qualify for the semi-final in the Namibia clash. However, Afghanistan will have to ensure that not only they beat New Zealand but also increase their NRR to leapfrog India. 

However, if the Kiwis beat Afghanistan, it will take them to eight points and ensure their qualification to the semi-final. At the moment, the maximum both India and Afghanistan can achieve is six points. 

New Zealand and Afghanistan will face each other in the all-important clash on Sunday in Abu Dhabi. India will play the last game of the Super 12 stage against Namibia on Monday evening in Dubai. 

After losing their first two games against Pakistan and New Zealand, Virat Kohli & Co have made a strong comeback to register comprehensive victories against Afghanistan and Scotland. 

In Friday's encounter, the bowlers put on a brilliant show to restrict their opponents to just 85 after India won the toss and chose to bowl. Mohammed Shami and Ravindra Jadeja took three wickets each while Jasprit Bumrah chipped in with two scalps. 

KL Rahul scored a sensational half-century in just 17 balls while Rohit Shamra gave him formidable support with a quick-fire 16-ball 30. The duo put up an opening stand of 70 in just 5 overs.