Barring an unlikely set of results at the women's World Cricket Cup in India today, Ireland should secure a place in the quarter-finals after playing their final group match against bottom-of-the-table Pakistan in Delhi.
Denmark can, mathematically, deny the Irish fourth place in Group A but only a victory for them over South Africa in Baroda, and a defeat for Ireland by Pakistan, would see them go through to the last eight. Whatever about the Danes' prospects of pulling off a shock win, the Irish should pick up their second victory of the competition against a Pakistan team that has been trounced in all four of its matches.
The one concern, however, for Ireland ahead of today's match is that their bowling has been poor and Pakistan have at least shown themselves to be useful with the bat - they made 146 for three against England while Ireland were bowled out for 116.
Irish nerves should be calmed by the knowledge that, whatever happens in Delhi, a South African victory will guarantee their progress to the knock-out stages where, if they finish fourth in their group, they will meet New Zealand in Bombay next Tuesday.
Today's Fixtures - Group A: Ireland v Pakistan, Delhi; England v Australia, Nagpur; South Africa v Denmark, Baroda.
