Indian's survival hinging on the results of Pakistan vs Australia match
India approach to the game against the West Indies in a must-win match in Johannesburg on Wednesday in their final group A engagement of the Champions Trophy starts with a prayer on the lips that Pakistan would somehow prevail over Australia by a big margin in the day's first game in Centurion.If it happens, India would need to up their net run-rate dramatically, besides winning the match, to stand a chance of making the last-four stage.
India presently has a net run-rate of -1.08 whereas Australia has a massive advantage of +1.00 in their favour.
Australia won their opening game against the West Indies by 50 runs and India lost theirs by 54 runs. So if India is to go past Australia's net run-rate, they ought to cover the difference of 104 runs between the two teams.
For instance, if Australia lose their game by 25 runs, India needs to win theirs against the West Indies by 80 runs to prevail and go through to the semi-finals.
However, if Australia bat first and score 250 runs, India need to get their runs inside 40 overs for them to go through.
The sixth edition of ICC Champions Trophy will be played in Johannesburg and Centurion of South Africa from September 22nd to October 5th.