ODI World Cup: Pakistan Face Near-Impossible Task to Reach Semifinals After New Zealand’s Win Over Sri Lanka.

New Zealand’s emphatic win over Sri Lanka on Thursday has made Pakistan’s task of reaching the semifinals of the 2023 ODI World Cup exceedingly difficult. The Blackcaps now have a net run rate (NRR) of +0.743, while Pakistan are on +0.036. This means that Pakistan need to win their final match against England by a massive margin to improve their NRR and overtake New Zealand.

If Pakistan bat first, they need to win by 287 runs. If they bowl first, they need to dismiss England for 50 runs and chase the target in two overs. These are unrealistic scenarios, and it is highly unlikely that Pakistan will be able to qualify for the semifinals at this point.

Pakistan’s only real chance is to bat first and score a very large total, such as 400 runs. They would then need to restrict England to a very low total, such as 112 runs. This would give them an NRR of +0.75, which would be just enough to edge out New Zealand. However, even this scenario is a long shot, as England are a very strong batting team.

Overall, Pakistan’s chances of reaching the semifinals are very slim. They need to produce a miracle performance against England to have any hope of qualifying.

Here is a summary of Pakistan’s qualification scenarios:

• If Pakistan bat first, they need to win by at least 287 runs.
• If Pakistan bowl first, they need to dismiss England for 50 runs and chase the target in two overs.
• Pakistan’s only real chance is to bat first and score a very large total, such as 400 runs, and then restrict England to a very low total, such as 112 runs.

Even this last scenario is a long shot, and it is highly unlikely that Pakistan will be able to qualify for the semifinals at this point.

Also Read: Cricket World Cup moving back to 14 team format from 2027 onwards.

Analysis:

Pakistan’s chances of reaching the semis are very slim, but they are not impossible. If they are able to bat first and score 400 runs, and then restrict England to 112 or less, they will go above New Zealand on NRR. However, this is a very difficult task, and it is unlikely that Pakistan will be able to achieve it.

Pakistan’s more realistic chance is to bowl first and restrict England to a low score. If they can do that, they will have a good chance of chasing the target down quickly and improving their NRR. However, even this will be difficult, as England has a very strong batting line-up.

Overall, Pakistan’s chances of reaching the semis are very slim. However, they are still mathematically alive in the race, and if they can play their best cricket, they could pull off the impossible.

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.