ICC World Cup 2023: Can Pakistan still qualify for the semi-finals? Explained
Pakistan are in a tough spot in the ICC World Cup 2023, as they have lost four out of their six matches so far. They need to win all their remaining matches and hope for other results to go their way to have any chance of making it to the semi-finals. Here are some of the possible scenarios that could help them qualify:
Scenario 1: Pakistan win all their matches and Australia lose all their matches
This is the most straightforward scenario for Pakistan, as it would ensure that they finish above Australia on points. Australia are currently at the fourth position with eight points and a net run rate of +0.970, having won four out of their six matches.
However, they have some tough opponents ahead, as they will face India, Sri Lanka and England in their remaining matches. If Australia lose all these matches and Pakistan win all theirs, Pakistan will end up with 12 points and Australia with eight points, regardless of the net run rate.
Scenario 2: Pakistan win all their matches and New Zealand lose two out of their three matches
This scenario is also favourable for Pakistan, as it would put them on par with New Zealand on points, but with a better net run rate. New Zealand are at the third position with eight points and a net run rate of +1.481, having won four out of their five matches so far.
They have three matches left against Sri Lanka, Afghanistan and Pakistan. If New Zealand lose two out of these three matches and Pakistan win all theirs, both teams will end up with 12 points, but Pakistan will have a higher net run rate, assuming they win by big margins.
Scenario 3: Pakistan win all their matches and South Africa lose two out of their three matches
This scenario is similar to the previous one, but with South Africa instead of New Zealand. South Africa are currently at the second position with 10 points and a net run rate of +2.032, having won five out of their six matches.
They have three matches left against Pakistan, Bangladesh and India. If South Africa lose two out of these three matches and Pakistan win all theirs, both teams will end up with 12 points, but Pakistan will have a higher net run rate, assuming they win by big margins.
Scenario 4: Pakistan win all their matches and India lose two out of their three matches
This scenario is the least likely one for Pakistan, as it would require India to lose two out of their three remaining matches against Australia, Netherlands and South Africa. India are currently at the top of the table with 10 points and a net run rate of +1.353, having won all their five matches so far.
They are also the favourites to win the tournament, as they have a strong batting and bowling line-up. If India lose two out of their three remaining matches and Pakistan win all theirs, both teams will end up with 12 points, but Pakistan will have a higher net run rate, assuming they win by big margins.
These are some of the possible scenarios that could help Pakistan qualify for the semi-finals in World Cup 2023. However, they are not guaranteed to work, as they depend on various factors such as the performance of other teams, the weather conditions, the pitch conditions, etc. Therefore, Pakistan will have to play their best cricket in their remaining matches and hope for some luck along the way.
