The dust has settled (well, kind of) on the opening skirmishes of the T20 World Cup, and it's time to assess the state of play for each team. We've witnessed breakout stars, established names firing on all cylinders, nail-biting finishes, Super Overs, and a few upsets thrown into the mix.
Let's delve into each group and see which teams are on the cusp of qualification and who needs a minor miracle (or a favourable net run rate swing) to progress.
Group A
India: The powerhouse of India looks unstoppable with a perfect record (two wins from two) and a healthy net run rate. A victory over either the USA or Canada should be a formality, booking their place in the next round.
USA: The American fairytale continues! Two wins from two mean one more victory is all they need to secure their passage. However, a crucial clash with India in New York on June 12th looms large.
Canada: Bouncing back from their opening loss to the USA, Canada are still in the mix after a 12-run victory over Ireland. Next up is a do-or-die encounter against Pakistan.
Pakistan: Pakistan are staring down elimination after two defeats. They need a miracle run, needing to beat both Canada and Ireland, while also boosting their net run rate significantly. All this while hoping India or the USA slip up.
Ireland: It's nearly curtains for Ireland. They need victories against both the USA and Pakistan, and even then, favourable results elsewhere are crucial.
Group B
Scotland: The all-UK showdown in Barbados ended as a No Result, but Scotland lead Group B courtesy of wins over Namibia and Oman. A victory over Australia on June 15th would confirm their place in the next round.
Australia: Two wins from two for the Aussies, highlighted by their dominant win over England. Another victory should see them safely into the second round.
Namibia: Namibia are still alive after sharing the spoils so far. However, their path gets tougher with upcoming clashes against both Australia and England.
England: England find themselves in a precarious position in fourth place. They need to win all their remaining matches and hope for favourable results elsewhere.
Oman : With three losses already, Oman are out of contention.
Group C
West Indies: Boasting two wins from two matches and a healthy net run rate, the Windies only need to conquer one of New Zealand or Afghanistan to secure their place in the next round.
Uganda: The spirited Ugandans have already registered their first-ever T20 World Cup victory, making it a successful campaign so far.
Papua New Guinea: Having fallen short in their crucial clash with Uganda, PNG's qualification hopes are slim.
New Zealand: The setback against Afghanistan has put the Kiwis under pressure. They'll need to win all their remaining matches against the West Indies, Uganda, and PNG.
Group D
South Africa: The Proteas are in a strong position and they are through to the next round.
Bangladesh: The Tigers started brightly with a narrow win over Sri Lanka. Assuming Sri Lanka falters (having already lost two matches), Bangladesh likely only need to overcome the Netherlands to progress. Even a win over Nepal might be sufficient.
Netherlands: The Dutch need a minor miracle to progress. Victories over both Bangladesh and Nepal, coupled with an upset elsewhere, are required.
Nepal: Their loss to the Netherlands has complicated things for Nepal. Although mathematically they are still in the race.
Sri Lanka: The Sri Lankans face an uphill battle. Multiple wins and a significant turnaround in their net run rate are essential for them to have any chance. Their qualification hopes are fading fast.
