India are the only Asian team to progress to the semi-finals of World Cup 2019 which has led former Pakistan fast bowler Shoaib Akhtar to back India to lift the World Cup trophy on July 14 at Lord’s in London. Other than India, all the other teams from Asia including Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh and Afghanistan exited the tournament following the end of the league stage. India defeated Sri Lanka in their final World Cup 2019 league stage match at Headingley in Leeds on Saturday.
Riding on their seven-wicket win against Sri Lanka, India took the top spot on the points table with 15 points from nine matches. On the other hand, Australia slipped to second position after their 10-run defeat against South Africa. England are placed third with 12 points, while New Zealand occupy the fourth spot with 11 points.
With these results, the World Cup semi-final line up is now confirmed. India will take on New Zealand in the first semi-final to be played at Old Trafford in Manchester on Tuesday. Australia will lock horns with England in the second semi-final at Edgbaston in Birmingham on Thursday. The final will be played at the Lord’s in London on Sunday. All these matches will be played at 3 p.m. Indian Standard Time.