Can England still qualify for T20 World Cup 2024 semi-final following 7-run loss vs South Africa?

England and South Africa indulged in a nail-biting last-over thriller at Beausejour Stadium in Saint Lucia on Friday. Batting first South Africa got to a total of 163/6 after 20 overs, thanks to an exceptional innings of 65 off 38 balls by Quinton de Kock. In reply, England could not go past the 156-run mark, losing the match by 7 runs.

The loss has put England in third place in the Group 2 standings. Since only the top two teams will qualify for the semi-finals, therefore, at present England are not in a position to qualify. But it is certainly not the end. The defending champions still have a match in hand and their qualification is directly subjected to how they will perform in the match against the USA.

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How can England qualify for the T20 World Cup 2024 semi-finals?

If they bat first, England would have to win the match at least by a margin of 10 runs and more. In case they bat second, they would have to chase down the score with at least an over to spare. Winning by such margins will increase England's net run rate and a greater chance of qualifying will prevail.

West Indies and South Africa are the other two teams in the race for the semi-final berth from Group 2. With two wins under its belt, South Africa have partially made it to the last 4. West Indies on the other hand are in hanging, and have to beat South Africa in a do-or-die match on Monday, June 24. Should West Indies win, then there will be three teams lying on four points. The Net Run Rate factor will come into play if SA, WI, and ENG, end up tied at 4. The Top-2 teams with superior run rate will go through.