Cricket World Cup: What India's win means for the Black Caps

Shikhar Dhawan of India celebrates making a century against South Africa. Photo / Getty Images

India may or may not have done the Black Caps a favour with their crushing 130-run victory over South Africa in Melbourne last night. Cameron McMillan explains.

Warning: The word 'if' plays a big part in this article.

- India's victory over South Africa puts them on course to finish top of pool B following two wins from two games. They have UAE, West Indies, Ireland and Zimbabwe to play and unless Chris Gayle finds some form they should go through the poolplay unbeaten.

- If India top pool B they will face the fourth placed team in pool A - which will be either Sri Lanka, England or Bangladesh.

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- New Zealand currently sit top of pool A. A victory over Australia on Saturday, or a no result or tie, almost guarantees the Black Caps top spot with remaining games against Afghanistan and Bangladesh.

- If New Zealand top pool A they will the face fourth placed team in pool B - which will be either West Indies, Pakistan, Ireland or Zimbabwe.

- The semifinal format means the top teams in each pool, if they win their quarter-finals, will face the second ranked team from the opposite pool. With South Africa now in line to finish second in pool B - that means the top team in pool A should face them in the semifinals.

- if New Zealand beat Australia on Saturday, and top pool A, they could be setting up a semifinal clash with South Africa at Eden Park on March 24.

- If New Zealand lose to Australia on Saturday, and finish second in the pool, they could be setting up a semifinal clash with India at Eden Park on March 24.

- This is all assuming rain doesn't play a further part in the tournament and South Africa don't lose to UAE, West Indies, Ireland or Pakistan.