Babar Azam and Co started their World Cup 2023 campaign with two consecutive wins against Netherlands and Sri Lanka respectively. After that, they conceded defeats to Team India, Australia, Afghanistan and South Africa. Moreover, it was also the first time in history that they lost four games on the trot in World Cups. Fans were a bit concerned about Pakistan’s semi-final chances and whether or not they would secure their serene passage through to the next level. In fact, Pakistan’s semi final chances looked slim when they were stuttering at 4 points (2 wins and 4 defeats).
Much to the relief of the spectators, the Green Shirts made a stellar rebound against Bangladesh by responding straightaway with a seven-wicket win at the Eden Gardens in Kolkata. After that, Babar Azam and Co inflicted a defeat on the Black Caps in the rain-marred encounter. Notably, Pakistan were well ahead of the par score and hence they won the game by 21 runs (DLS method). Fans are eager to know about Pakistan’s semi final chances and let’s learn about their semifinal qualification scenarios.
We all know that Team India were the first team to qualify for the semi-final whereas South Africa and Australia also secured their semi-final spots. It is certain that Australia will lock horns with South Africa in the semi-final. Meanwhile, the race for the fourth spot is certain to keep the cricket fraternity engaged as there might be potential twists and turns. It remains to be seen which team will meet India in the semi-final.
All you need to know about Pakistan’s semi final chances
As things stand, New Zealand, Pakistan and Afghanistan are all tied on eight points with one more game to be played. Pakistan will cross swords with England in their final game whereas New Zealand will take on Sri Lanka in the next game. Afghanistan will lock horns with South Africa in their last game. The Black Caps will enter the game as the clear-cut favourites to beat Sri Lanka, given their form.
On top of that, New Zealand have a better Net Run Rate compared to Pakistan and Afghanistan respectively. Unfortunately, the weather is expected to play a negative role in New Zealand’s journey as there are 90% chance of rain in Bengaluru, as reported by Accuweather. If the rain plays spoilsport on the match day, then we might see no result, meaning that New Zealand will end up with 9 points, which would turn out to be a big blow for them.
If Pakistan defeat England in the next game, then they will end up with 10 points in the group stage points table. The Green Shirts won the previous two games and are brimming with confidence now. Taking England’s inconsistency factor into account, we can expect Pakistan to come out on top against the Three Lions. On the other hand, if Sri Lanka beat New Zealand or the game is washed out due to rain, then Pakistan have a great chance of securing their serene passage through to the semi-finals of World Cup 2023.
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Afghanistan will have to defeat South Africa by a massive margin in order to cope with the Net Run Rate gap. Currently, the Afghans have an NRR of -0.338 whereas Pakistan’s NRR reads +0.036. Pakistan’s semi-final chances look brighter given the scenarios mentioned above. However, Afghanistan’s semi-final chances look slim as they will have to beat South Africa and expect both New Zealand and Pakistan to lose their next game, which is highly unlikely.
