Pakistan’s journey to the semi-finals of the ICC World Cup 2023 has been filled with challenges, and it just got even tougher after Afghanistan secured a crucial victory against the Netherlands in Bengaluru. The Green Shirts’ path to the semi-finals is far from straightforward, with multiple scenarios now coming into play. They have two crucial matches ahead against New Zealand and England, both of which they must win to keep their semi-final hopes alive.
Before the recent match, Pakistan’s hopes were pinned on New Zealand’s results to secure a semi-final spot. However, they now find themselves in a situation where they not only need to win their upcoming matches but also hope for Afghanistan to lose one or both of their remaining matches against Australia and South Africa, as Afghanistan currently lead Pakistan with eight points after playing the same number of matches (7).
Pakistan’s must-win match against New Zealand will play a pivotal role in their semi-final aspirations. If they manage to defeat the Black Caps, they will accumulate eight points with one more match to go against England. Simultaneously, Pakistan would need New Zealand to stumble in their final match against Sri Lanka for the stars to align in their favor.
In an ideal scenario for Pakistan, the following results would be their saving grace:
- Pakistan win against New Zealand.
- Australia win against England.
- India win against South Africa.
- Sri Lanka win against Bangladesh.
- Australia win against Afghanistan.
- England win against the Netherlands.
- Sri Lanka win against New Zealand.
- South Africa win against Afghanistan.
- Australia win against Bangladesh.
- Pakistan win against England.
- India win against the Netherlands.
If all the results align with this scenario, India would claim the top spot with 18 points, followed by South Africa with 14 points. Australia and Pakistan would both finish with 14 points, with Pakistan securing the fourth spot and a ticket to the knockout stage of the World Cup. The road to the semi-finals remains challenging, but the Green Shirts are determined to keep their hopes alive and make a mark in the tournament.
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