The ifs and buts8230;.

NEW DELHI, JUNE 9: India8217;s win over Pakistan in the Super Six clash yesterday has given them renewed hope of making it to the semi-finals. For that, they not only have to beat New Zealand in their last Super Six match on June 12 at Trent Bridge but also have to depend on the fortunes of the other teams to ensure their progress.

Zimbabwe have all but wrapped up their place for the semis even before their match against Australia today with five points. The fight is thus for the three other slots.

Pakistan have one game left and South Africa two, and they need only a point each to qualify. India, who can at best finish with four points, need at least two teams from among the remaining five to finish below them in the table. India have to beat New Zealand and then depend on the following:

New Zealand lose to South Africa and Pakistan lose to Zimbabwe in their final league match. Then, India and Pakistan will be tied with four points each. Since India beat Pakistan, they will go ahead.

Australia lose both to South Africa and Zimbabwe; South Africa beat New Zealand and Pakistan lose to Zimbabwe. In such a case, there will be a three-way tie between India, Australia and Pakistan for two slots. In that case, the net run-rate will come into play. However, if Pakistan beat Zimbabwe, and there is a two-way tie between India and Australia, Australia will edge out India, having beaten them in the Super Six.

South Africa lose to New Zealand and Australia, Pakistan beat Zimbabwe, there will be a two-way tie between India and South Africa. Since South Africa beat India in the league match, they move ahead. Again, Pakistan8217;s defeat assumed to Zimbabwe can save India, as NRR will decide the fate of India, South Africa and Pakistan for the single spot.

Of course, the plot can go haywire if any match is abandoned due to rain and the two teams are forced to split the points. If it happens to be the India-New Zealand game, it will be curtains for the Indians.