Women's World T20: The race for the finals

Only five matches remain in the group stage of the Women's World T20 and the semi-final match ups are far from settled.

New Zealand and England are in the box seat to finish on top of their respective groups, but their opponents will be decided in a huge weekend of World T20 action.

The Commonwealth Bank Southern Stars face a must-win clash over Ireland tomorrow, but they'll also be after a large winning margin, given their net run rate and the risk that should South Africa topple New Zealand, three wins may still not be enough for the defending champions to progress.

On the other side of the draw, India and West Indies will play off for a semi-final berth in Mohali on Sunday.

Below, we take a look at the semi-finals calculations.

Group A

New Zealand: WWW, one match remaining v South Africa

The White Ferns are leading the way as the only undefeated team in Group A.

Following comprehensive wins over Sri Lanka and Ireland, New Zealand romped to an emphatic win over defending champions Australia, signalling themselves as the team to beat in this tournament in the process.

Their high net run rate wins they are unlikely to be dislodged from top spot no matter what happens against the Proteas, but New Zealand will no doubt want to continue their winning momentum and seek some revenge for the 2014 tournament, when a loss to South Africa saw them booted out of the tournament.

Australia: WLW, one match remaining v Ireland

The Southern Stars survived a scare against South Africa and were chastened by New Zealand, but the defending champions were back to their best as they romped to a nine-wicket win over Sri Lanka.

A win over Ireland should be enough to see them advance, however they may be concerned about their net run rate. If New Zealand are upset by South Africa, the Proteas' superior net run rate could be enough for them to sneak past Australia on the ladder.

The weather is also a concern, with thunderstorms forecast for Saturday. If the match was washed out, Australia would be relying on a South Africa loss.

South Africa: LW, matches remaining v New Zealand and Sri Lanka

The Proteas were left wondering what might have been after they had Australia 3-9 in their opening game, only to watch an ill Meg Lanning see her team home.

They followed up with a big win over Ireland and now boast a very healthy net run rate with two matches remaining. They must win both – upsetting the in-form White Ferns in the process – but their semi-final hopes remain alive.

Sri Lanka: LWL, one match remaining v South Africa

Sri Lanka have just one win from three games, against Ireland, but the island nation have impressed at points throughout this tournament. Their top order batted extremely well against both New Zealand and Australia, but it was lower order collapses and the inability of the bowling attack to make inroads the factors that let them down.

Ireland: LLL, one match remaining v Australia

Ireland are yet to record a win from their first three outings, but still have one final chance to shape the tournament when they meet Australia in Delhi on Saturday.

They suffered heavy defeats at the hands of New Zealand and South Africa, but Ireland might be particularly disappointed with their loss to Sri Lanka, falling just 14 runs short in pursuit of 130.

Group B

England: WWW, one match remaining v Pakistan

The tournament's other undefeated team, England survived a final-ball thriller against West Indies on Thursday to all but cement their spot in the semi-finals.

They'll finish on top of the group with a victory over Pakistan in the final game, but an upset loss could see them finish second, due to West Indies’ superior net run rate.

West Indies: WWL, one match remaining v India

It's shaping up to be a huge showdown between West Indies and India on Sunday. For the winner, a place in the semi-finals beckons, while it's game over for the loser. It's that simple.

Pakistan: LWW, one match remaining v England

Pakistan are mathematically still in the running for the semi-finals thanks to their plucky win over India, but to do so they would have to thrash England by a large enough margin to overtake them on net run rate.

India: WLL, one match remaining v West Indies

India could long rue their Duckworth-Lewis defeat to Pakistan. That loss, combined with a narrow defeat to England, leaves them needing to beat West Indies to advance to the semi-finals.

They have the home ground advantage, but West Indies have impressed since their warm-up loss to Australia, so it's tough to pick a winner.

Bangladesh: LLLL

Bangladesh's loss to Pakistan on Thursday ended a winless campaign for the Tigers, who finish on the bottom of Group B.