Cricket World Cup 2019: Blackcaps have one foot in semi-finals before England clash

New Zealand's passage to the Cricket World Cup semi-finals became clearer, with Bangladesh's loss to India on Wednesday (NZT).

Facing a pivotal match - their final group outing - against hosts England overnight, the Blackcaps already have one foot in the knockout round, sitting third on the table with a positive run-rate.

Their defeat means Bangladesh now cannot reach the semis - they needed to win their final two games to stay in the hunt.

Here's how the playoff scenario unfolds for New Zealand:

A win over England would see the Blackcaps safely through to the semis. A big win could see them finish as high as second (behind Australia), if India also lose big to Sri Lanka in their final group game.

Regardless, New Zealand would still face the Indians in the second semi-final next Thursday.

A loss to England would see the Blackcaps still under threat from Pakistan, who would finish equal on points, if they beat Bangladesh in their last outing.

The Kiwis enjoy a handy run-rate advantage, so they're well-placed to win a countback, even though they lost to Pakistan in group play.

A Pakistan loss to Bangladesh or a rain draw would see the Blackcaps safely through to the semis and a showdown against the Aussies in next Tuesday's first semi.

Blackcaps' chances of qualifying for Cricket World Cup semi-finals: 80 percent

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Join us at 9:30pm Wednesday for live updates of the Blackcaps v England Cricket World Cup clash