CWC 2023: Afghanistan’s win over Netherlands puts Pakistan’s World Cup semi-final hopes on life support.
CWC 2023: Afghanistan’s thrilling win over Netherlands in their ICC Cricket World Cup 2023 match on November 3 has put Pakistan’s semi-final hopes on life support.
Pakistan currently has 6 points from 7 matches and need to win their remaining two matches against New Zealand and England to reach 10 points. However, even if they do that, they will still need other results to go their way in order to qualify for the semi-finals.
One of the most important factors for Pakistan will be Afghanistan’s performance in their remaining three matches. If Afghanistan lose at least two of those matches, then Pakistan will be in a good position to qualify. However, if Afghanistan win two or more of their remaining matches, then Pakistan will need to rely on their net run rate to qualify.
Another important factor will be the performance of New Zealand and England. If either of those teams lose at least two of their remaining matches, then Pakistan’s chances of qualification will improve. However, if New Zealand and England both win their remaining matches, then Pakistan will be eliminated.
Here is a summary of Pakistan’s qualification scenarios:
Scenario 1: Pakistan win their remaining two matches against New Zealand and England, and Afghanistan lose at least two of their three remaining matches.
Scenario 2: Pakistan win their remaining two matches against New Zealand and England, Afghanistan win two of their three remaining matches, and Pakistan beat New Zealand and England by a big margin to improve their net run rate. Pakistan will also need to hope that Afghanistan lose their final match against Sri Lanka, and that Sri Lanka beat New Zealand in their final match of the tournament.
Outcome: Pakistan qualify for the semi-finals.
Scenario 3: Pakistan win their remaining two matches against New Zealand and England, Afghanistan win two of their three remaining matches, and Pakistan beat New Zealand and England by a small margin. Pakistan will also need to hope that Afghanistan lose their final match against Sri Lanka, and that Sri Lanka beat New Zealand in their final match of the tournament.
Outcome: Pakistan may not qualify for the semi-finals, depending on the net run rate of other teams.
Scenario 4: Pakistan lose at least one of their remaining two matches against New Zealand and England.
Outcome: Pakistan will not qualify for the semi-finals.
Pakistan will need to play their best cricket in their remaining two matches if they want to qualify for the semi-finals of the World Cup 2023.
Pakistan’s road to the semi-finals is certainly difficult, but it is not impossible. They will need to win their remaining two matches convincingly and hope that other results go their way.
DISCLAIMER: This team is based on the understanding, analysis, and instinct of the author. While selecting your team, consider the points mentioned and make your own decision.
