If they need to make into the semi-final, the whole thing that can go right needs to go right, and then some. They require Australia to lose to Pakistan, then they require to beat West Indies, and by such a edge that their net run-rate goes over Australia’s.

If Pakistan’s match next to Australia is even as much as washed out, India can kiss their movement goodbye. The saving grace for them is that by half time during their game they will know what accurately they need to do if Australia lose, that is.

A dissimilarity of 2.08 in India and Australia’s net run-rates looks huge on paper, but as it is based on the results of one match each it is not possible to clean out. It will be great difficult, though Pakistan and Australia will make for a rigid contest either way, so even if Australia lose India will need a huge win over West Indies. A perfect day is hard to define, but India fans will recognize what it is if their side makes it to the semi-finals of the Champions Trophy.

West Indies have no pushover in this contest, giving Pakistan and Australia a fright. They would love not anything better than to spoil a gathering on their way out. It won’t be a shock if they even wish for Australia to lose to Pakistan, so that they have a possibility to vigorously contribute in sending a team out.