New Zealand have no points so far, and their only entry point is if they
beat West Indies and England lose too, to force a three-way tie at two
points. If that happens, New Zealand will stand a good chance of making
it to the semi-finals: their net run-rate of -0.268 is already better
than West Indies' -0.621, and not too worse than England's -0.115. If it
all goes to plan for New Zealand, their own net run-rate will improve,
and England's will take a beating, bridging that gap.
Theoretically West Indies can be a part of a three-way tie even if they
lose, but their poor net run-rate after the thrashing from Sri Lanka
means it does them no good. In theory, West Indies too will have two
avenues if they beat New Zealand: an England defeat later will give them
a clear passage, while it will be a three-way tie with England and Sri
Lanka should England win. Again, though, West Indies' net run-rate is
likely to keep them third-best should the hosts lose.
So, for both the sides, the endeavour will be to win without worrying
too much about the net run-rate and hope Sri Lanka keep up their good
form later in the day. However, if only the second match is rained out,
it will be bad news for New Zealand and good for West Indies. Neither of
them can afford a whole washed-out day. If only the first game is
washed out, New Zealand go out, and West Indies will again hope for a
Sri Lanka win.
Form guide
New Zealand LLLWW (completed matches, most recent first)West Indies LWLWW
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