Here's How Babar Azam's Pakistan Can Still Qualify For ICC Cricket World Cup 2023 Semifinal

Pakistan in ODI World Cup 2023 semifinal: Let's explore the various scenarios that could determine Pakistan's chances of reaching the final four in the ongoing World Cup 2023.

Pakistan World Cup semifinal qualification scenarios: A victory against New Zealand in Bengaluru would keep Pakistan's semi-final hopes alive.

Source : PTI

Pakistan broke their losing streak at the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup 2023 by securing a convincing victory against Bangladesh in Kolkata on October 31. This win boosted Pakistan's total points to six, keeping their hopes alive for a spot in the semi-finals of the ongoing marquee tournament. As they play a crucial match against New Zealand in Bengaluru, let's explore the various scenarios that could determine Pakistan's chances of reaching the final four in the ongoing World Cup:

Scenario 1: Pakistan lose to New Zealand

If Pakistan lose to New Zealand, their semi-final aspirations will come to an end. New Zealand, along with either Afghanistan or Australia, are guaranteed to finish the competition with 10 points. Pakistan will remain stuck at six points from seven games and can only reach eight points if they defeat England in their final match.

Scenario 2: Pakistan beat New Zealand and England; New Zealand lose to Sri Lanka

A victory against New Zealand in Bengaluru would keep Pakistan's semi-final hopes alive. In this case, Pakistan will rely on Sri Lanka to defeat New Zealand in their final group match on November 9.

If Sri Lanka manage to win that contest, and Pakistan beat England in their final match, they will finish with 10 points, two ahead of New Zealand. Pakistan would then need other favourable results to qualify for the last-four stage.

The team will hope for either Australia or South Africa to beat Afghanistan, preventing them from surpassing 10 points. If Afghanistan win both their matches and Australia win two out of their remaining three, Pakistan will be eliminated based on Net Run Rate.

Scenario 3: Pakistan beat New Zealand and England; New Zealand beat Sri Lanka

If New Zealand secure a victory against Sri Lanka in their last match of the league phase, Pakistan will be tied on points with New Zealand. In this case, Pakistan will be involved in a Net Run Rate battle with New Zealand, provided they win their final encounter against England.

Along with the Net Run Rate calculation, Pakistan will also require favourable results from the Afghanistan vs. Australia and Afghanistan vs. South Africa matches to secure a spot in the semi-finals with 10 points.

Coming to the ongoing clash between Pakistan and New Zealand at the Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru on November 4, Pakistan after winning the toss elected to field first. New Zealand, with their regular skipper- Kane Williamson, back into the attack enjoyed a strong start being 173-1 in 26 overs.