Xtra Time Web Desk: The ongoing ICC Cricket World Cup 2023 is at the business end with three semi-finalists already confirmed. Australia, who is currently at No 3 in points table will meet South Africa, in one of the semi-finals. Proteas are all set to take the second place in the points table. Table toppers India can draw arch-rivals Pakistan again in the semi-finals. It will be between New Zealand and Pakistan, who will be the fourth team to qualify for the semis.
After losing four matches on the go in the middle phase of the tournament, Babar Azam and his boys seemed to be packing their bags home. But the Men in Green bounced back to win against Bangladesh and New Zealand, raising hopes of a semi-final berth. Both BlackCaps and Pakistan are now on 8 points with the Kiwis having a slightly better net run rate.
How India versus Pakistan semi-final cannot be ruled out? It was a far-fetched opinion that the arch rivals could face each other in the semis. But that looks a possibility with results going in favour for Pakistan in the group stage matches.
Pakistan must beat England in their last league match, preferably with a better Net Run Rate (NRR) to finish with 10 points. If the New Zealand versus Sri Lanka game at the M Chinnaswamy stadium on Thursday, November 9, is not staged due to the weather then New Zealand will end up on 9 points. If Tom Latham’s side wins the game, they will also end up on 10 points. In that case Net Run Rate will come into play. Netherlands must also lose to India and England. They will finish with 8 points.
If India plays Pakistan in the semifinals, the match will be played in Kolkata. Pakistan will not play any match in Mumbai for political reasons.
Pakistan’s way to semis is still complicated and filled with obstacles. What they should focus on is winning against England. The good thing for them is that England are at their worst in ODIs in a long time. Jos Buttler’s men have won just 1 match out of 8 so far in what has been a horrendous campaign for the defending champions.