How will Australia's win over Afghanistan affect Pakistan's chances for semis?

With eight points, Green Shirts are competing New Zealand and Afghanistan for a place in semi-final

By
Sports Desk
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Pakistan´s players celebrate after winning the World Cup match between Pakistan and Netherlands at the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium in Hyderabad on October 6, 2023.  — AFP
Pakistan´s players celebrate after winning the World Cup match between Pakistan and Netherlands at the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium in Hyderabad on October 6, 2023.  — AFP

Despite Australia's thrilling win over Afghanistan courtesy of Glenn Maxwell's miraculous knock, Pakistan is not out of the deep waters as the national side's progression to the semis remains uncertain.

With the Kangaroos qualifying for the knockout stage three teams have now qualified for the semis — including India and South Africa — leaving Pakistan, New Zealand, and Afghanistan contesting for the "highly contested" spot.

Even if Afghanistan win against South Africa on November 10, they will have 10 points on the points table — the same as Pakistan and New Zealand if the latter two win their matches against England and Sri Lanka, respectively.

However, Afghanistan's current NRR is negative and they would require a massive win over Temba Bavuma's men to be in contention to qualify for the semi-final. Thus, Pakistan's direct competition for the one last place in the semi-final is with New Zealand.

New Zealand are currently ranked fifth with 0.398 NRR while Pakistan is sixth with 0.036 NRR.

Qualification Scenario:

If NZ beat SL by 50 runs, Pakistan will have to beat England by 180 runs.

If NZ beat SL by 1 run, Pakistan will have to beat England by 131 runs.

If SL beat NZ, Pakistan will just have to beat England and they will qualify.

If SL vs NZ is washed out due to rain, Pakistan will just have to beat England to qualify.

Matches schedule

November 9 — New Zealand vs Sri Lanka @ M.Chinnaswamy Stadium, Bengaluru, India.

November 10 — Afghanistan vs South Africa @ Narendra Modi Stadium, Ahmedabad, India.

November 11 — Pakistan vs England @ Eden Gardens, Kolkata, India.