ODI World Cup Semifinal Qualification Scenarios: In the ongoing ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup 2023, Pakistan, after four consecutive losses, found themselves on the verge of elimination. Their survival in the tournament hinged on a crucial seven-wicket victory over Bangladesh, but even then, they needed a miracle to advance to the semi-finals. The situation appeared even more dire when New Zealand posted a massive total of 401/6 at Bengaluru's M Chinnaswamy Stadium in the first game of a Saturday's double-header. This extraordinary total was achieved primarily due to Rachin Ravindra's 94-ball 108 and the return of skipper Kane Williamson, who contributed a 79-ball 95. Pakistan's chase got off to a rocky start, losing their first wicket with just six runs on the board.
However, opener Fakhar Zaman and captain Babar Azam refused to give up. They went on to establish one of the most memorable partnerships in recent memory. Fakhar Zaman delivered a blistering 63-ball century, which stands as Pakistan's fastest in World Cup history, ultimately remaining unbeaten on 126.
Babar Azam provided valuable support, staying unbeaten on 66, and together, they built an unbroken partnership of 194 runs for the second wicket. This partnership allowed Pakistan to reach 200/1 after 25.3 overs before rain interrupted play, and no further action was possible.
Since Pakistan's chase had surpassed the 20-over mark, the winner could be declared based on Net Run Rate. Pakistan was found to be 21 runs ahead of the par score, ensuring their continued participation in the 13th edition of the tournament.
In the second match of the Saturday double-header, Australia defeated England by 33 runs at Ahmedabad's Narendra Modi Stadium.
Here's a closer look at what to expect in the remainder of ODI World Cup 2023 tournament:
- South Africa have officially become the second team to qualify for the semi-finals following Pakistan's victory.
- England have been officially eliminated from the semi-final race after their defeat against Australia, joining Bangladesh as teams knocked out of ODI World Cup 2023 tournament.
- Pakistan remain in contention for the semi-finals, but they need to beat England in their final match and rely on the result of the New Zealand vs. Sri Lanka match. Pakistan will also hope that Afghanistan do not surpass them in the points table.
- Despite four consecutive losses, New Zealand (+0.398) still hold an advantage over Pakistan (+0.036) in terms of Net Run Rate. A victory over Sri Lanka in their final group stage match should secure their spot, unless Pakistan can overtake them in NRR with a substantial victory over England.
- Afghanistan needs significant victories over Australia and South Africa in their remaining matches to surpass Pakistan and New Zealand in NRR, provided those teams also win their matches.
- Sri Lanka and Netherlands remain mathematically in the tournament's running, thanks to Pakistan's victory.