Pakistan won their last World Cup game against New Zealand. Can they make a late run in the race for qualification? The Men in Green were on a four-match losing streak before they picked up back-to-back wins against Bangla Tigers and New Zealand.
It has become increasingly difficult for the Men in Green to reach the knockouts. They had started well, with wins over Netherlands and Sri Lanka. But then fell to defeats against India, Australia and Afghanistan. However, Babar Azam & Co. could see a late wild card entry into the qualification race. They won their previous game against New Zealand at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium.
Batting first in Bengaluru, New Zealand posted a total of 401 on the board. Rachin Ravindra scored a century while Kane Williamson got out at 95.
While chasing, riding on Fakhar Zaman's brilliant knock of 126 runs, Pakistan scored 200 for the loss of just one wicket in 25.3 overs when rain affected the game and thereafter called.
When rain stopped the play, Pakistan were ahead on par by 21 runs which allowed them to get the win eventually,
MORE: Full Cricket World Cup 2023 fixtures & results | Bet on CWC 2023 matches here!
The Sporting News takes a look at the qualification scenarios for Pakistan after two consecutive wins.
Pakistan have played eight matches - winning four and losing in as many.
Pakistan's remaining matches at the ICC ODI World Cup 2023?
| SR. | DATE | MATCH | VENUE | TIME |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2 | November 11, 2023 | England vs Pakistan | Kolkata | 14:00 (IST) |
Will Pakistan make it to the ICC CWC 2023 semifinals?
Pakistan's last match is against England.
Scenario 1: Pakistan win the match
Even if Pakistan win their remaining game in the group stage, they would end up with five wins, at 10 points. South Africa and India already have twelve points each.
Beating England would see them off the qualification race, but they would still have to depend on the results of Australia.
Scenario 2: Pakistan lose the match
Losing their final game of the group stage would mean Pakistan will be eliminated from the competition.
MORE: How many catches have Pakistan dropped in World Cup 2023?
Scenario 3: If New Zealand win their remaining matches
Direct competitors New Zealand have the same points as Men in Green. If the Kiwis win their last match then Pakistan have to beat England by the same margin by which the Kiwis won plus 130 runs. Pakistan will also hope that Afghanistan lose their remaining two matches.
How many points do Pakistan need to make the World Cup semi-finals?
The maximum points that Pakistan could reach at the end of their group stage is 10. Moreover, judging by what happened in the 2019 World Cup, 12 points were needed to see a team reach the semifinal. Thus, Pakistan cannot make any mistakes from here on out.
MORE: When is Pakistan's next ODI World Cup match?
ICC World Cup 2023 points table and standings
| Rank | Team | Matches | W | L | NRR | Points |
| 1 | India | 7 | 7 | 0 | +2.102 | 14 |
| 2 | South Africa | 7 | 6 | 1 | +2.086 | 12 |
| 3 | Australia | 6 | 4 | 2 | 0.970 | 8 |
| 4 | New Zealand | 8 | 4 | 4 | +0.855 | 8 |
| 5 | Afghanistan | 7 | 4 | 3 | -0.330 | 8 |
| 6 | Pakistan | 8 | 4 | 4 | -0.424 | 8 |
| 7 | Sri Lanka | 7 | 2 | 5 | -1.162 | 4 |
| 8 | Netherlands | 7 | 2 | 5 | -1.398 | 4 |
| 9 | Bangladesh | 7 | 1 | 6 | -1.446 | 2 |
| 10 | England | 6 | 1 | 5 | -1.652 | 2 |
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