Pakistan’s journey to secure a spot in the ICC ODI World Cup 2023 semifinals took a serious blow following their heart-wrenching one-wicket loss to South Africa at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai. Here is how Pakistan still qualifies for the semi-final and what are the scenarios.
PAK vs SA match highlight
Opting to bat first, the Men in Green managed to post a commendable total of 270 runs on the board before their innings concluded in the 47th over. However, in the second innings, South Africa launched a promising run chase but encountered late-stage setbacks, finding themselves at nine wickets down. Pakistan came agonizingly close to clinching victory, but it was Keshav Maharaj’s steady nerve that led South Africa to a thrilling one-wicket win with a boundary down the leg side.
Pakistan campaign in Tormoil
Despite commencing their World Cup campaign with two convincing victories against the Netherlands (by 81 runs) and Sri Lanka (by six wickets), Pakistan’s fortunes took a nosedive with successive defeats against India (by seven wickets), Australia (by 62 runs), and Afghanistan (by eight wickets). The painful loss to the Proteas only compounded their woes. With elimination looming large, Pakistan’s quest for a spot in the final four seems daunting, and it might well require a miracle to materialize.
Here how can Pakistan still qualify for semis?
The road ahead is laden with challenges for Pakistan. In the ODI World Cup points table, they now find themselves in the sixth position after the South African setback. With three matches remaining, there’s no room for further defeats as they gear up to face England, Bangladesh, and New Zealand. Wins alone won’t suffice; Pakistan must secure these victories by substantial margins to bolster its Net Run Rate (NRR), making it a pivotal factor in its quest to reach the top four. Additionally, their semifinal aspirations hinge on the outcomes of other teams’ matches as well.
For Pakistan to squeeze through to the semifinals, Australia must suffer a minimum of three losses in their remaining four matches. However, considering the current form and momentum of the Pat Cummins-led Australian side in the tournament, this possibility seems remote. Pakistan will also pin their hopes on Sri Lanka and Afghanistan facing two defeats each in their remaining four matches. As for the Netherlands, Pakistan will hope for the Dutch side to drop a match, a plausible outcome in this World Cup.
Pakistan next challenge
Pakistan’s next challenge is a crucial fixture against Bangladesh at the Eden Gardens in Kolkata on October 31.
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