World Cup 2019: 3 ways how England might not qualify for the semi-finals 

The buzz surrounding the World Cup 2019 has once again taken off after a week of nail-biting clashes that went down to the wire. A week that comprised of a few last-over finishes saw a major upset by the hands of Sri Lanka, who took down the tournament favorites England in a humdinger of a clash.

The defeat, for England, was a major setback to the Morgan-led side as it only ensured that the race to the semifinals spots were left wide open for an extended period of time. For Sri Lanka, who came into the tournament as underdogs.

However, a superb display of temperament by the senior pros, in particular Lasith Malinga, rose to the occasion in managing to script one of the better World Cup wins for Sri Lankan cricket.

With three tough games to go, this defeat raises certain doubts over England's chance to qualify for the semifinals. The hosts will next play against arch-rivals Australia before facing India and New Zealand in one of the highly anticipated games in this World Cup.

If England fail to qualify for the semifinals, it will be one of the major upsets in the history of the World Cups, given how they began the tournament as the firm favorites to lift their maiden World Cup title in this format of the game.

Here's a look at the possible scenarios when England won't qualify for the Semi-Finals:

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#1 England lose all 3 matches | Pakistan win their remaining matches

England has lost two games so far in the CWC 2019

It is a huge possibility that England go on to lose all their remaining fixtures as they face-off against the top three sides in the tournament. With a major loss against Sri Lanka, this scenario might see the hosts on the verge of exit from the tournament.

In losing all three games, England will be stranded with 8 points in nine games, In such case, if Pakistan also manage to win all their remaining games, which also could be on the cards, a premature exit for the tournament favourites will then become an unexpected reality.

England play Australia at the home of cricket of June 25 while Pakistan face lower ranked teams in Afghanistan and Bangladesh in their last two league encounters.

#2 England lose 2 matches | Sri Lanka win two matches against SA and WI

England's loss to SL sees them in huge disarray

The other scenario where England can face a huge disappointment is in case if they manage to win only a single match out of their remaining three fixtures. In such situation, Sri Lanka can prove to be the party spoiler if they inflict another upset against the down and out South African team and manage to play a good game against West Indies.

If the Islanders manage to win their next two games and even lose against India, England will be in a huge spot of bother. Sri Lanka can pip the hosts to claim the fourth spot with 10 points only if the Karunaratne-led side ensure a comfortable win in any of their encounter, taking their NRR past England's higher run-rate.

If this does happen, Sri Lanka would feel blessed to have gained two points courtesy of their two abandoned games due to complete washouts.

#3 England secure a solitary win | Bangladesh win all their remaining games

Bangladesh even ended England's dismal WC campaign in 2015

Another possibility arises if Bangladesh are able to win all their remaining matches. The Tigers, after their comprehensive win over Afghanistan, will face the Asian giants India and Pakistan in their last two games in the league stage. It might be a tough task in hand but the team is capable of taking down Pakistan, who haven't played the best cricket in this World Cup and can even spring a surprise over India on July 2.

In such a case, Bangladesh will end the league stage with 11 points in nine games and will pose a serious threat to England's chances if they secure a solitary win in their last three encounters.

It will be a moment of historical significance in the history of Bangladesh cricket as reaching the semifinals would better their last World Cup in 2015.