Bengaluru November 9 2023: Pakistan’s equation to make the semi-finals after New Zealand’s huge win is a near-impossible one: if they bat first, they need to win by a margin of 287 runs at least and if they are chasing, they need to dismiss England for 50 runs and chase the target in two overs or 100 runs in three overs.
All of these appear highly improbable, meaning that the top four of the World Cup is almost set in stone.
Afghanistan’s odds are even lesser given that their net run rate is further lower than Pakistan’s. They face South Africa on Friday in Ahmedabad.
If the standings stay as they are now then India will take on New Zealand in Mumbai on Wednesday, November 15, with South Africa and Australia’s semi-final to take place the following day in Kolkata.
Should Pakistan manage to overtake New Zealand and finish in fourth, then India’s clash with their arch-rival will take place in Kolkata on Thursday and the Proteas clash with the Aussies will switch to Mumbai a day earlier.
