ICC T20 World Cup 2024: Group D’s Scramble for Super 8 Except SA

The T20 World Cup is getting more and more thrilling with each match played. Interestingly, the participation of so many teams from the lower portion of the ranking has ultimately intensified the competition for most of the groups.
The predictions made previously are not working too! In most cases, the teams have played 2 or 3 matches already, but most of them are still clueless about their ultimate position at the point table! Those who are considered weaker teams are threatening the existence of world champions in the tournament! What’s the condition for Group D? Let’s explore!
“D” for Drama or Death: Group D’s Exciting Situation
While all groups have their individual calculations, changing with each match played though, we will dig into the Group D Scenario today where South Africa, Bangladesh, Netherlands, Nepal, and Sri Lanka are fighting for the coveted spots in Super 8. Before moving further, let’s see the standings of each team in the point table:
Team | Played | Won | Lost | N/R | Points | Net Run Rate |
South Africa | 3 | 3 | 0 | 0 | 6 | +0.603 |
Bangladesh | 2 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 2 | +0.075 |
Netherlands | 2 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 2 | +0.024 |
Nepal | 2 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 1 | -0.539 |
Sri Lanka | 3 | 0 | 2 | 1 | 1 | -0.777 |
South Africa: Secures Super 8 Despite Some Trembles
Starting the tournament with a massive win against Sri Lanka, South Africa has established itself as the rational leader in Group D at present. Though they dominantly defeated Sri Lanka and secured an impressive Net Run Rate (NRR), their win against the Netherlands in the 2nd match was not an easy one. To chase only 103 runs, they lost 4 wickets for 12 only! However, with a solid partnership between David Millar and Tristan Stubbs, they avoided the loss.
But against Bangladesh, it was even more vulnerable, as they could score only 113 in their first innings. Bangladesh was in a comfortable position to win the match as they needed only 20 runs in 18 balls once. But they couldn’t!
The controversial decisions by the umpires are still highly discussed on social media. Cricket experts are also talking about this too. However, with three wins in three matches and one left against Nepal, they have already qualified for Super 8.
Bangladesh: The Quest for Super 8 under Thrilling Calculations
Bangladesh is in a precarious position in Group D. With one win from two games, they currently hold second place with a respectable Net Run Rate of +0.075. Their path to the Super 8 stage hinges on some crucial factors.

The most straightforward is to win against the Netherlands and Nepal, and secure second highest points (considering South Africa will win against Nepal) in the group. The job is not as easy as it seems briefly because of the potentiality of the players and the uncertainty of a shorter version of cricket.
This is also to remember that the Netherlands was about to win against South Africa with their impressive bowling attack and Bangladesh was defeated in the last ODI World Cup last year. This match is going to be a “Do or die” for both these teams as well.
However, Bangladesh will pray for favorable weather as well because if their matches wash away like Sri Lanka vs Nepal, then it would be very difficult for them and the calculations will be too complex to solve!
Netherlands: The Orange Brigades with a Fighting Chance
In Group D, the Netherlands can be regarded as “Underdog” after the resilience they have shown already. With 2 points in 2 matches and a Net Run Rate (NRR) of +0.024, they currently rank third in the group table. They have displayed moments of brilliance, notably pushing South Africa to the brink before eventually losing.
To have any chance of qualifying, their goal is clear: win both remaining games against Bangladesh and Nepal. Success in these matches would position them well for the Super 8 round. Bowlers like Vivian, Logan, and others are to play big roles as were the keys to taking the match against South Africa that far!
As mentioned earlier, the Bangladesh vs Netherlands match is going to be the deciding one. However, their match against Sri Lanka is also important to secure two more points.
Nepal: An Uphill Battle for the Underdogs
Nepal’s path to the Super 8 stage appears truly challenging and nearly impossible. With 1 point and a Net Run Rate (NRR) of -0.539, they sit just ahead of Sri Lanka in the table. Given their upcoming matches against a formidable South Africa and confident Bangladesh, qualifying seems highly unlikely. In fact, sharing points with Sri Lanka has made it nearly impossible for them to make it at the end.
After losing against the Netherlands, Nepal was looking for a series of remarkable victories combined with significant setbacks for other teams in the group could create a narrow window of opportunity for Nepal.
For this to happen, they would need a drastic turnaround in form and capitalize on critical mistakes by their opponents. While theoretically possible, relying on such a scenario is highly uncertain as their remaining matches are against Bangladesh, the tough opponent, and South Africa, the already qualified one!
Sri Lanka: Scope for Survival Narrowing Down with Each Match
The tournament is not going well at all for Sri Lanka. Starting with a devastating defeat against South Africa, they were in serious trouble with not just losing a point but also with a very low NRR. Here, winning against Bangladesh seemed to be their only option to bounce back. Unfortunately, they lost against their Asian rivalry in a crucial match on the big stage. Despite having a good start, they failed again costing them a very poor NRR.
Yet, they were looking for two consecutive massive wins against Nepal and the Netherlands. Considering the difference in strengths, at least it was expected with Nepal on Tuesday night. But rain has washed their hope away with an abandoned match resulting in only 1 point after playing 3 matches. The NRR is also the lowest; -0.777 which has sent them to the bottom of the table.
Is there any way to remain for Sri Lanka, the Champions of T20 World Cup 2014? Yes, if the Bangladesh vs Netherlands match gets abandoned for rain or anything else, then they can still search for hope with some more complex equations! This is unfortunate but the fact Sri Lanka can’t accept is other than a miracle, nothing can help them now.
Conclusion
Competition for the final Super 8 slots in Group D is intense, with Bangladesh, the Netherlands, and Sri Lanka all vying for qualification. Bangladesh and Netherlands have the most control over their destiny; winning their final two games will secure their spot while rain can still play a big role in deciding the ultimate winner.
While South Africa has secured their spot already and most likely as the group topper, the uncertainty on the selection of followers is intensifying the thrill in this group. Though the Bangladesh vs Netherlands match on Thursday will most likely find the answer, we may need to wait till 17th June Bangladesh vs Nepal match for confirmation!

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