Thaindian News

Chennai, March 17 (IANS) England continued to live dangerously for themselves and for three other teams as they beat the West Indies in another cliff-hanger and kept the lid firmly over the World Cup quarterfinal spots from Group B.

With the 18-run victory over West Indies Friday, England climbed to the third spot with seven points after finishing all six league matches.

Co-hosts India and Bangladesh, along with the West Indies and England, have to wait for the outcome of the two remaining Group matches — South Africa vs Bangladesh in Dhaka Saturday and India vs the West Indies (6) here Sunday.

South Africa, with eight points, are so far the only team to reach the quarterfinal from this group.

India, who are on seven points after five matches, are second on the list. India have a net run rate of +0.768.

Both Bangaldesh and West Indies are on six points from five matches. But West Indies are fifth with a better run rate (+1.650), above Bangaldesh, who have a net run rate of -0.765.

Bangaldesh, who would have prayed for an West Indies win Friday, will have to beat South Africa Saturday for outrightly qualifying for the quarterfinals.

If they lose, they will push India and England to the quarterfinals. And their own fate will then depend on the match between India and West Indies. In that case, they wil pray for an India victory. Bangladesh and West Indies will be then tied on six points and the team with the better run rate will proceed.

If Bangladesh upset South Africa, they will move to the second spot with eight points. If India then beat the West Indies, they will qualify as the group topper with nine points. But if India lose to the West Indies, then three teams — South Africa, Bangladesh and West Indies — will be on eight points. India and England will be on seven points and run rate will decide their fate.