How can Afghanistan qualify for CWC 2023 semi-finals after New Zealand's win over Sri Lanka ?

Afghanistan have 8 points to their name with 1 league match remaining in the CWC 2023.

Afghanistan have been one of the most impressive sides in the ICC Cricket World Cup 2023. Spin-friendly tracks and a spirited team performance has put them in contention for the semi-finals. Afghanistan are in the race for the semi-finals along with New Zealand and Pakistan. After New Zealand’s big win over Sri Lanka at M. Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru, Afghanistan’s chances have gone down and the equation has became impossible for the spirited Afghans. 

Afghanistan stunned everyone after defeating England, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka in the mega event. But a loss in the opening game against Bangladesh proved a little costly for the team. New Zealand got a big margin victory against Sri Lanka and chased down the 172 runs target in just the 24th over to make things tough for the other two contenders. Afghanistan’s net run rate is negative (-0.338) and this is the biggest roadblock in their semi-final qualification.

Afghanistan's qualification scenario

Afghanistan will be taking on South Africa at Narendra Modi Cricket Stadium in Ahmedabad and only a huge win can secure their place in the semi-finals. Afghanistan need to defeat South Africa by at least 438 runs to secure their place in the top 4 and fix their clash against India at Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai. The 4th placed team will take on India in semi-final 1 scheduled to be played on 15th November. The second semi-final will be held at Eden Gardens in Kolkata.

Afghanistan started poorly in their ICC Cricket World Cup 2023 campaign and lost their opening two games against Bangladesh in Dharamsala and against India in Delhi. Afghans showed some intent in batting against India and then picked up their momentum for the tournament. They outclassed England in the next game by 69 runs. New Zealand came tough at them in Chennai as they were decimated by 149 runs. 

After 3 defeats in 4 league games, Afghanistan bounced back nicely and thrashed two Asian giants, Pakistan and Sri Lanka along with the inexperienced Netherlands to win 3 consecutive games. This streak gave them hope of creating a history and qualifying for the semi-finals round. They had only one win in the World Cup before entering into the Cricket World Cup 2023. They won their first World Cup game in 2015 against Scotland.