How Pakistan can still make it to the semis of ICC World Cup 2023

Pakistan have finally broken their losing streak, securing a win against Bangladesh at Eden Gardens. However, the question remains: is it too late for the Men in Green?

Babar Azam's team had slid down the points table, suffering defeats in three consecutive fixtures against India, Australia, and Afghanistan. While the recent victory against Bangladesh has kept their hopes alive, Pakistan still require a stroke of luck to secure a spot in the semi-finals.

Pakistan win by seven wickets and 105 balls to spare! 👏@iMRizwanPak and @IftiMania give the finishing touches after brilliant knocks by the openers 👊#PAKvBAN | #CWC23 | #DattKePakistani pic.twitter.com/qmKwP26G8H

— Pakistan Cricket (@TheRealPCB) October 31, 2023

How can Pakistan reach the semi-finals?

• Pakistan has two games remaining and will need a few results to go in its favor to secure a spot in the semi-finals.
• Currently positioned at fifth place with 6 points after the win against Bangladesh, Pakistan's first requirement is for Afghanistan to lose at least two of their three remaining matches in the tournament.
• This will keep Afghanistan at 8 points, maintaining their sixth position with 6 points.
• In the scenario where Afghanistan wins two matches, reaching 10 points, the competition will boil down to net run rate.
• Pakistan must win the remaining two matches against New Zealand and England to accumulate 10 points and strengthen their position.
• Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, England, and Netherlands are effectively out of the race for the semi-finals.
• Pakistan's main competitors for the third and fourth positions are New Zealand and Australia, both currently at 8 points in the tournament.
• India, with 12 points, and South Africa, with 10 points, are the expected front-runners for the top two positions and a spot in the semi-finals.
• Should New Zealand win the ongoing match against South Africa, it will create a challenging scenario for Pakistan's qualification, as this would elevate New Zealand to 10 points.

  Here's How Pakistan Can Qualify For The Semi-Finals Of World Cup 2023! Only few chances #GOAT𓃵 #BabarAzam𓃵 #PAKvBAN #PakistanCricketTeam pic.twitter.com/AL2svFhkrv

  — Imran Shahzad (@DigtalWorld11) November 1, 2023

In essence, Pakistan would hope for New Zealand to lose their match against South Africa today, alongside Afghanistan losing two matches. Furthermore, Pakistan must secure victories in their next two matches to advance to the semi-finals.

Their next challenge awaits them against New Zealand on November 4 at Bengaluru’s M Chinnaswamy Stadium.