Australia secured a thrilling three-wicket victory over Afghanistan in the 2023 World Cup, keeping their hopes alive in the tournament and significantly influencing Pakistan’s quest for a spot in the semifinals.
Australia’s hard-fought triumph has provided a glimmer of hope for the struggling Pakistani side, which is currently looking to secure a berth in the next stage of the ICC event. With eight points to their name, the Men in Green are set to face Afghanistan and New Zealand in crucial matches, as they vie for a coveted place in the semifinals.
Read more:South Africa beats Bangladesh at World Cup
Despite Australia’s impressive win, the path to the semifinals for the Men in Green remains uncertain, with multiple factors coming into play. As Cummins-led Australia secures their ticket to the knockout stage, Pakistan, New Zealand, and Afghanistan are locked in a fierce competition to move forward in the tournament.
The qualification scenario for Pakistan is rife with possibilities, each dependent on various outcomes in the upcoming matches. If Afghanistan manages to clinch a victory against South Africa, they will accumulate 10 points on the leaderboard. However, their current run rate stands in the negative, necessitating a substantial margin of victory to outclass South Africa.
Pakistan’s direct competition for the coveted semifinal spot lies with the Black Caps, New Zealand, who hold the fifth position with a Net Run Rate (NRR) of 0.398, closely followed by Pakistan with an NRR of 0.036.
The qualification scenarios for Pakistan present intriguing scenarios, contingent on the results of New Zealand’s match against Sri Lanka. If New Zealand secures a 50-run victory, Pakistan will be required to triumph over England by a margin of 180 runs. In case New Zealand wins by a single run, Pakistan must beat England by 131 runs.
Should Sri Lanka emerge victorious against New Zealand, Pakistan’s path to the semifinals becomes relatively straightforward. In the event of a washout due to rain between Sri Lanka and New Zealand, the Men in Green will need to secure a victory against England to secure their spot in the semifinals.
The stakes are high, and the forthcoming matches promise to be a riveting spectacle as these cricketing powerhouses battle it out for a place in the coveted World Cup semifinals.
