New Delhi. His strong performance has eased Pakistan’s path to the World Cup 2023 semi-finals. Pakistan, for whom ‘homecoming’ messages were being made till a week ago, beat New Zealand quite easily on Saturday. That too in a match in which New Zealand made a mountain of 401 runs. But the mountain of New Zealand also collapsed against the storm of the century of Fakhar Zaman. With this win, Pakistan has gained 8 points in the points table of the World Cup. New Zealand have the same number of points. New Zealand have lost 4 matches in a row. Due to which the pressure has increased. Now these two teams have one match each left. Australia and Afghanistan also have only 8 points each. What are the chances of Pakistan playing the semi-final in such a situation? Let’s understand?
Before understanding the World Cup 2023 semi-final equation, let’s look at the points table. India with 14 points and South Africa with 12 points are the top-2 teams in the table. While Pakistan, New Zealand, Australia and Afghanistan have 8 points each. The battle for the third and fourth place in the points table is between these four teams. This article talks about Pakistan, which changed the equation to a great extent by beating New Zealand.
1. The win against New Zealand changed the equation
Pakistan beat New Zealand by 21 runs on Saturday. New Zealand scored 401 runs in this match. It rained twice when Pakistan started batting. Around 7.30 pm it was decided that the match would not be completed. After this, Pakistan was declared the winner. By the time he was declared the winner, he had scored 200 runs in 25.3 overs. With this win, he has gained 8 points. However, Pakistan is at the sixth position due to low run rate.
2. What should Pakistan do now?
Pakistan’s next match is against England on November 11. If Pakistan wins this match, it will be 10 points. This match will be played at Eden Gardens, Kolkata.
3. Sri Lanka beat New Zealand
New Zealand are also in the race for the semi-finals, but player injuries are hurting their hopes. The New Zealand team has lost four matches in a row. Pakistan wants New Zealand to lose their last match as well, so that the run rate issue ends. New Zealand’s next match will be played against Sri Lanka on November 9.
4. Big teams against Afghanistan
Afghanistan are also in the race for the semi-finals. But his remaining two matches are against South Africa and Australia. Definitely, it will be difficult for Afghanistan to beat these two teams. If Afghanistan lose their two matches, they will be out of the race for the semi-finals.
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Tags: New Zealand, Pakistan, World Cup 2023
First published: November 4, 2023, 20:00 IST