India to face NZ in World Cup semis unless Pakistan sees a miracle

The semi-final of the World Cup 2023 is almost locked. India will face New Zealand in the first semi-final on November 15, 2023, at the Wankhede Stadium.

New Zealand’s 5-wicket victory against Sri Lanka on November 9 sealed the Kiwis' spot for the semi-finals as they retained the 4th position with 10 points.

The win also ended Pakistan’s hope of making it to the semi-finals, as the Men in Green now have very bleak chances.

Nearly Impossible for Pakistan

• Though Pakistan has one match left against England on November 12, they will have to win it by a significant margin to improve their net-run-rate (NRR) ahead of New Zealand.
• If Pakistan bats first and makes 300, they will have to restrict England to 13. Babar Azam’s side will need to maintain a margin of 287 runs if they post a total above 300.
• The chances get slimmer when Pakistan bowls first. Even if they bowl out New Zealand at 100, they would need to chase down that score in 2.5 overs, which is impossible.
• In essence, Pakistan’s chances of making it to the semi-finals are extremely thin. Even if they win the game against England, their net run-rate will not exceed NZ’s run-rate.

   

India vs New Zealand semi-final

• India is set to face the Kiwis in another semi-final in 2023. Although the team lost a nail-biting thriller in 2019, the Men in Blue are expected to triumph over NZ this time.
• India defeated NZ in their earlier encounter on October 22, in a group stage match, marking their maiden win over the Kiwis in the last two decades in an ICC tournament.
• In the head-to-head battle in ODIs, India has defeated NZ 59 times, while the Kiwis won on 50 occasions.
• However, NZ is a formidable side and poses a tough competition against India.
• The side has a plethora of experience in the pace unit, with the likes of Trent Boult, Tim Southee, Lockie Ferguson.
• In the batting unit, their rising star, Rachin Ravindra, along with Devon Conway and Daryl Mitchell, had a good tournament so far.

Social media abuzz with memes

The microblogging website, X (formerly Twitter), was flooded with memes after it was clear that India was to face New Zealand in the semi-finals, a repeat of the 2019 World Cup story.

Many still recollect the Martin Guptill throw in the second last over to run-out MS Dhoni, who was the last hope of the Indian team.

Here are some memes describing the emotions of the fans ahead of the match:

1. 'Heartbreak'

2.  India vs New Zealand loading

3. 'Unfinished business'

4. India vs New Zealand

5. 'Not Again'