India, leading the table, are confirmed to take on New Zealand in the inaugural semi-final of the ICC Men’s ODI World Cup 2023 on November 15 (Wednesday) at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai. New Zealand have already secured the fourth position in the points table, regardless of the outcome in the ongoing match between England and Pakistan in Kolkata on November 11 (Saturday). The Babar Azam-led Pakistan could have secured a spot in the final four if they had managed to defeat England by a margin of 287 runs or more. However, with England opting to bat first, the likelihood of Pakistan reaching the semi-finals is now all but over.
For Pakistan to surpass New Zealand in the points table after losing the toss, they would have needed to chase down a 100-run target in 2.5 overs, a 200-run target in 4.3 overs, and a 300-run target in 6.1 overs. However, as scoring 100 runs in 2.5 overs is practically unattainable, Pakistan are now out of contention for a semi-final spot.
India, having triumphed in all eight matches played thus far, will conclude their league stage campaign on November 12 (Sunday) against the Netherlands in Bengaluru before heading to Mumbai to face New Zealand in the first semi-final at Wankhede Stadium.
New Zealand Defeated India In ICC World Cup 2019 Semi-Final
This first semi-final mirrors the 2019 edition, where India topped the points table, and New Zealand secured the fourth spot. In that semi-final, which spanned two days due to rain in Manchester, New Zealand emerged victorious, earning a spot in the final against England. India played one match at Wankhede Stadium in the 2023 World Cup, defeating Sri Lanka by 302 runs on November 2. They will now meet the Kiwis on November 15 (Wednesday).
The second semi-final of the ODI World Cup 2023 will take place on November 16 at Eden Gardens in Kolkata, featuring five-time champions Australia against South Africa. The ultimate showdown of the ODI World Cup 2023 is scheduled for November 19 at Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad.
Coming to the ongoing clash between the defending champions-England and Pakistan, Jos Buttler decided to bat first after winning the toss and England are off to an excellent start as they found themselves at 72-0 after the first 10 overs.