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What are Pakistan’s chances for the World Cup semi-finals after a massive win over Bangladesh?

Pakistan has a slim chance of reaching the World Cup semi-finals in 2023. Find out their current position, remaining fixtures, and possible scenarios in this detailed analysis.

Pakistan revived their hopes of reaching the semi-finals of the ICC Cricket World Cup 2023 with a convincing seven-wicket win over Bangladesh at the Eden Gardens in Kolkata on Tuesday. The victory also boosted their net run rate, which could be a crucial factor in determining the top four teams.

Pakistan’s current position

Pakistan is currently fifth in the points table with six points from seven games and a net run rate of -0.024. They have three more matches to play against Afghanistan, New Zealand and Sri Lanka. They need to win all of them and hope for other results to go their way to qualify for the semi-finals.

Pakistan’s remaining fixtures for World Cup semi-finals:

Pakistan will face Afghanistan in their next match on November 4 at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai.

Afghanistan has been impressive in this tournament, beating England and Sri Lanka and giving a tough fight to India and South Africa. They have a strong spin attack led by Rashid Khan and Mujeeb Ur Rahman, which could pose a challenge for Pakistan’s batsmen.

However, Pakistan has beaten Afghanistan in all seven ODIs they have played so far, including a 3-0 series win in Sri Lanka earlier this year. Pakistan hopes to continue its dominance over its neighbors and secure two crucial points.

Pakistan will then take on New Zealand on November 7 at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru. New Zealand is currently third in the table with eight points from six games and a net run rate of +1.232.

They have been consistent and clinical in their performances, with Kane Williamson, Ross Taylor, and Trent Boult leading the way.

Pakistan have a poor record against New Zealand in recent times, losing nine out of their last 10 ODIs against them. Pakistan will need to play out of their skins to upset the Kiwis and keep their hopes alive.

Pakistan’s final match will be against Sri Lanka on November 10 at the Green Park Stadium in Kanpur. Sri Lanka is sixth in the table with four points from six games and a net run rate of -0.275.

They have been inconsistent and unpredictable in this tournament, losing to Afghanistan, India, and South Africa, but beating England and Netherlands.

Pakistan have a slight edge over Sri Lanka in head-to-head encounters, winning 92 out of 159 ODIs between them. Pakistan will hope to end their league stage with a win and hope for the best.

Pakistan’s scenarios for World Cup semi-finals

Pakistan’s chances of making it to the semi-finals depend on various factors, such as the results of other teams, the net run rates, and the possible scenarios. Here are some of the possible scenarios for Pakistan:

If Pakistan wins all their remaining matches and India, South Africa, New Zealand, and Australia win all their remaining matches (except against Pakistan), then Pakistan will finish fourth with 12 points and qualify for the semi-finals.
If Pakistan wins all their remaining matches and India, South Africa, New Zealand, and Australia lose one or more of their remaining matches (except against Pakistan), then Pakistan will finish third or higher with 12 points and qualify for the semi-finals.
If Pakistan wins two out of their remaining matches and India, South Africa, New Zealand, and Australia lose two or more of their remaining matches (except against Pakistan), then Pakistan will have a chance to qualify for the semi-finals based on net run rate.
If Pakistan win one or none of their remaining matches, then they will be eliminated from the tournament.

Conclusion

Pakistan has a tough task ahead of them to reach the semi-finals of the World Cup 2023. They need to win all their remaining matches and hope for other results to favor them.

They also need to improve their net run rate, which could be a deciding factor in case of a tie. Pakistan have shown glimpses of brilliance in this tournament, but they need to be more consistent and clinical in their performances.

They have a talented and experienced squad, which can beat any team on their day. They need to believe in themselves and play with passion and pride.