The ICC World Cup 2023 has been an exhilarating journey filled with unexpected twists and turns. One team that has managed to keep their semifinal hopes alive is Pakistan.
In a rain-affected match against New Zealand, Pakistan emerged victorious by 21 runs via the DLS method. Now, all eyes are on their crucial upcoming clash against England on November 11.
Here, we will explore the possible scenarios that could see Pakistan qualify for the semifinals and the challenges they face along the way.
Pakistan’s Last Chance for Semifinal Glory:
With eight points from as many games, Pakistan is in a must-win situation. Their final league match against England in Kolkata on November 11 is key to their semifinal aspirations.
Having suffered four consecutive defeats earlier in the tournament, Pakistan’s resurgence has been remarkable. Now, they must maintain their momentum and deliver a stellar performance against a formidable English side.
The Importance of the England Match:
To secure a spot in the semifinals, Pakistan not only needs to defeat England but also rely on other results. A victory against England would boost their chances, but they also require New Zealand to lose to Sri Lanka on November 9 in Bengaluru.
Additionally, rain could play a crucial role in determining the outcome of the New Zealand match. Pakistan hopes for favourable weather conditions that could work in their favour.
New Zealand’s Role in Pakistan’s Fate:
New Zealand, the team that started the tournament with four consecutive wins, is now in a precarious position. They need to defeat Sri Lanka in their final league game and hope that Pakistan loses to England or fails to improve their net run-rate significantly. The outcome of the New Zealand-Sri Lanka match will have a direct impact on Pakistan’s chances of making it to the semifinals.
Net Run-Rate and its Impact:
In the event of a tie in points between teams, the net run rate becomes a crucial factor in determining their position in the standings. Pakistan needs to not only win against England but also ensure a convincing margin of victory to improve their net run rate.
A comprehensive win would not only boost their chances but also put pressure on New Zealand to achieve a similar feat against Sri Lanka.