Here is how India can still play tri-series final

[JUGRAJ SINGH]

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Staff member
India lost the four-match Test series against Australia 0-2 and are yet to post a win in the ongoing ODI tri-series against the hosts and England.

With two losses in two games, India’s chances of making it to the final of the tri-series look very bleak. Had England beaten Australia on Friday, India would have left with a daunting task of winning both their remaining matches with at least one bonus point. However, England’s defeat to Australia on Friday has given India a lifeline. Yet, the task ahead for India is not easy.
Australia are already through to the final, with England and India in the race for the remaining slot.

Let us examine the various scenarios for India:

a) India beat both Australia and England:India will be through with 8 points ahead of England.

b) India beat Australia but lose to England:India will be eliminated and England will be through.

c) India lose to Australia but beat England: A normal win will not suffice for India since they will end up with four points, whereas England have five points. India will need to beat England with a bonus point. Such a result will put both India and England at level with five points. The net run-rate will be the deciding factor. Here also India are at a disadvantage. India’s current net run-rate is -1.356. The defeat against Australia will bring it down further. Even if India lose to Australia by the lowest possible margin of 1 run, India will need to beat England in about 32 overs or by around 90 runs. Such a daunting task lies ahead of India!

d) India’s match against Australia ends in a tie/no result: In such a scenario, India will need to just beat England. Even one run win will see them through.

It is clear that India have their back against a wall. No side can plan a tie or a no result game. And India may miss out even after beating England with a bonus point. The best way for India is to just give their best in both their remaining games and walk in to the final with two wins.
 
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