CWC 2023: Can Pakistan & Sri Lanka still make the semi-finals?
CWC 2023: With the ICC Cricket World Cup 2023 entering its final stages, the competition for the semi-final spots is heating up. Two teams that are currently in the mix are Sri Lanka and Pakistan, who are both on four points from six matches.
Sri Lanka have had a mixed tournament so far, with a couple of impressive wins but also some disappointing losses. They will need to win all of their remaining three matches to have any chance of qualifying for the semi-finals, and they face a tough task with matches against table-toppers India, regional rivals Bangladesh, and a strong New Zealand side.
Pakistan’s situation is similar, although they have a slightly easier run-in with matches against South Africa, Afghanistan, and England. However, they will need to improve their performances from the start of the tournament, where they lost three matches on the trot.
Mathematically, it is still possible for both Sri Lanka and Pakistan to qualify for the semi-finals, but it will require a near-perfect finish to the tournament. They will also need to rely on other teams to slip up in order to create the space they need in the points table.
Here are some of the scenarios that could play out in order for Sri Lanka and Pakistan to qualify for the semi-finals:
- Sri Lanka: Sri Lanka must win all of their remaining matches and hope that both India and South Africa finish in the top two spots, while Australia and New Zealand lose at least two of their remaining three matches. Sri Lanka must also hope that neither Afghanistan nor Pakistan end up with 10 points.
- Pakistan: Pakistan must win all of their remaining matches and hope that both India and South Africa finish in the top two spots, while Australia and New Zealand lose at least one of their remaining three matches. Pakistan must also hope that neither Afghanistan nor Sri Lanka end up with 10 points.
Overall, the chances of Sri Lanka and Pakistan qualifying for the semi-finals are slim, but it is still mathematically possible. Both teams will need to produce some of their best cricket in the tournament if they want to stay in the hunt.
Here are some additional factors that could affect Sri Lanka and Pakistan’s chances of qualification:
- The form of other teams: Sri Lanka and Pakistan will need to rely on other teams to slip up in order to create the space they need in the points table. This means that they will be keeping a close eye on the results of matches involving India, South Africa, Australia, and New Zealand.
- Team morale: Sri Lanka and Pakistan have both experienced some tough losses in the tournament so far. It will be important for them to maintain their morale and motivation in the face of these challenges.
- Key players: Sri Lanka and Pakistan both have a number of key players who are capable of match-winning performances. If these players can perform at their best, it will give their teams a much better chance of winning matches.
In conclusion, it is still possible for Sri Lanka and Pakistan to qualify for the semi-finals of the ICC Cricket World Cup 2023, but it will require a near-perfect finish to the tournament and some help from other teams. Both teams will need to produce some of their best cricket if they want to stay in the hunt.
DISCLAIMER: This team is based on the understanding, analysis, and instinct of the author. While selecting your team, consider the points mentioned and make your own decision.
