Credit: Star Sports
The Indian team suffered a huge loss against the Proteas on 22 February at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahemdabad, losing the game by 76 runs. With a big margin defeat, the Indian team find themselves in a spot of bother. Especially because West Indies in their group have demolished Zimbabwe by a margin of 107 runs. Currently, the Indian team stands at net run rate of -3.850, whereas the West Indies stand at a net runrate of +5.350. Interestingly, the difference between two sides is as big as 183 runs [107 (Win against Zimbabwe) + 76 (India's defeat against South Africa)].
On this, former India cricketer Harbhajan Singh bluntly said on his YouTube channel that India will now have to cover a margin of 183 runs to stay alive in the tournament. However, it looks practically impossible to get past that margin or get past West Indies net runrate. Currently, a lot of things should actually fall in India's favour - India should win the toss against Zimbabwe, bat second, restrict the opposition for as low as possible and on top of it - also expect South Africa to beat West Indies earlier in the day to keep them alive in the tournament.
Also Read: Zimbabwe is a bigger threat to India than West Indies - Former India captain
He said, "West Indies have made the situation very tight now. Now if South Africa wins their next two games, and India wins their next two games, we will definitely qualify. But we are depending on South Africa. If West Indies beat South Africa, then India will have to cover a margin of 183 runs. These many runs are usually scored in 20 overs. It is a very big margin. This scenario is very tough and if that is the case India will be out of the tournament," he said on hi YouTube channel.
He further said, "The biggest thing for India is that South Africa should win both games and India win both. Then our train will come on the track. It is difficult but not impossible. Your focus should be on winning your games, and also pray that West Indies lose to South Africa. If West Indies win, then three teams will have four times and it will come down to net run rate. West Indies and South Africa are very ahead there and it will be a loss for India."
