In the ongoing ICC Men's ODI World Cup 2023 in India, Pakistan are facing South Africa in Match No. 26 on Friday, October 27, at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai. This marks the sixth match for both teams in the 50-over mega-event this year. Pakistan entered this fixture after losing their previous three matches against India, Australia, and Afghanistan. They had accumulated just four points from five matches, placing them in sixth position on the points table. Pakistan's prospects of reaching the ODI World Cup 2023 semifinals are hanging by a thread, and a loss against South Africa would severely jeopardise their chances.
To remain in contention, Pakistan need nothing less than a victory in their match against the Proteas. India, having won all their five matches in the tournament, appear poised to secure a spot in the last four. South Africa and New Zealand have won four out of five matches already, placing them in strong positions. Australia, with six points from five matches, occupy the fourth spot and have found their stride. Given that only four teams would advance to the knockout stage, Pakistan can not afford any missteps. They have to win all their remaining matches to stay in the competition, and even then, they would require some assistance from other teams. However, for now, their primary objective would be to secure victories in all their matches.
Nevertheless, defeating South Africa is no easy task, as South Africa have scored over 400 runs in two of their five matches. The silver lining for Pakistan is their undefeated streak against South Africa in World Cup matches since the 1999 edition, but that history would be put to the test on Friday when both teams clash at Chepauk.
India The Only Undefeated Team In ICC Men's Cricket World Cup 2023
If Pakistan emerge victorious, they would draw level on points with Australia, intensifying the competition to qualify for the semifinals. However, if the Babar Azam-led side suffers a loss, they would remain with four points from six matches, and even if they win their next three matches against Bangladesh, New Zealand, and England, they can only reach a maximum of 10 points. India already have 10 points in 5 matches and are the only undefeated team in the tournament, and South Africa can match the tally of 10 points if they defeat Pakistan. So, wins in their remaining matches would secure India and South Africa's places beyond Pakistan's reach.
In such a scenario, Pakistan can only finish third or fourth. If New Zealand, with eight points from five matches, win two of their last four matches, they would also surpass Pakistan's potential points. Australia can also leapfrog Pakistan if they secure three wins in their remaining four matches against New Zealand, England, Bangladesh, and Afghanistan.
With these scenarios in mind, Pakistan can not afford to drop any points against South Africa, as a fourth consecutive defeat would spell the end of their World Cup campaign.