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

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

New Zealand have decimated Sri Lanka at M. Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru to almost secure their place in the semi-finals of the ICC Cricket World Cup 2023. New Zealand, after winning the first four games and losing the next four in a row, have finally got a win added to their tally. Along with the Kiwis, Pakistan, and Afghanistan are the other two teams aspiring for a place in the semi-finals as they are left to play one more league game.

Pakistan also had a bit of a similar fate like New Zealand in their mid-campaign as they suffered 4 consecutive losses after winning the first two. Pakistan still have a chance to qualify even after New Zealand’s victory against Sri Lanka in Bengaluru. They will be playing against England at Eden Gardens on Saturday in their final league game. Pakistan will need a miraculous performance to qualify for the semi-finals.

Pakistan's qualification scenario

In a cricket sense, Pakistan look almost out of the tournament as they will need a magical win against defending champions England and fix their semi-final clash against India at Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai. Pakistan will need a win over 287 runs margin or chase down England’s total in 284 balls to spare. The first scenario might look a little possible as we have seen a similar trend in the World Cup 2023 but batting second looks almost impossible. If Pakistan scores 400 runs and then restrict England on just 112 runs Pakistan can still qualify for the next round.

Pakistan had a lucky win against New Zealand to keep themselves in the race for the semis at M. Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru. Kiwis lost the game even after putting up 401 runs on the board. In a rain-hit run-chase, Pakistan took a big advantage and won the game after scoring 200 runs in just 25 overs. Fakhar Zaman scored an unbeaten 126 runs in 81 balls with 8 fours and 11 sixes. Pakistan won the game by 9 wickets (DLS method) to remain alive in the tournament.

Pakistan started brilliantly with the two back-to-back wins in Hyderabad. After shifting their base from Hyderabad, Pakistan’s performance faded a bit. They lost 4 consecutive games before getting a win against Bangladesh at Eden Gardens and against New Zealand in Bengaluru. Whoever qualifies among, New Zealand, Pakistan, or Afghanistan will go on to play against Team India in the semi-final 1 at Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai. The match venue (Mumbai) is likely to be swapped with semi-final 2 venue (Kolkata) if Pakistan make it to the semi-finals and face the hosts, India.