Can Ireland, Afghanistan do favours for Sri Lanka?

Having suffered two heavy defeats against Australia and New Zealand, Sri Lanka can only hope that Ireland and Afghanistan can cause some upset in their matches today to have any outside chance of qualifying for the semi finals of the T20 Cricket World Cup.

Ireland will take on New Zealand and Afghanistan will meet Australia and wins for the Trans-Tasman neighbours today will effectively put Sri Lanka out of the semi finals even if they are to beat England in their last match on Saturday. England on the other hand can hope for a place in the semis by beating Sri Lanka.

New Zealand, Australia and England are on five points each and have the best chances of qualifying for the semi finals from Group 1. Of the three teams England lifted their game by beating New Zealand in their last outing to make a comeback into contention having lost to Ireland on the DL method after their match was disrupted by rain.