By Pakistan’s journey to the semi-finals of the ICC World Cup 2023 has hit a rough patch after they suffered their fourth consecutive defeat in the tournament, this time against South Africa on October 27 in Chennai.
Securing a spot in the semi-finals is no easy task for Pakistan, and it’s filled with uncertainties. To even have a chance, they must win all three of their remaining matches, against Bangladesh, New Zealand, and England.
In an ideal scenario for Pakistan, they would need New Zealand, who currently have eight points from six games, to lose all of their remaining matches. If New Zealand ends the group stage with eight points, Pakistan could qualify for the knockout stage with 10 points by winning their next three matches.
Here’s the perfect scenario for Pakistan to reach the semi-finals:
Afghanistan beats Sri Lanka in Match 30.
Pakistan wins against Bangladesh in Match 31.
South Africa beats New Zealand in Match 32.
India wins against Sri Lanka in Match 33.
Afghanistan beats the Netherlands in Match 34.
Pakistan wins against New Zealand in Match 35.
Australia beats England in Match 36.
India wins against South Africa in Match 37.
Sri Lanka wins against Bangladesh in Match 38.
Australia beats Afghanistan in Match 39.
England beats the Netherlands in Match 40.
Sri Lanka wins against New Zealand in Match 41.
South Africa beats Afghanistan in Match 42.
Australia beats Bangladesh in Match 43.
Pakistan wins against England in Match 44.
India wins against the Netherlands in Match 45.
If all these results fall into place, India would secure the top spot with 18 points, followed by South Africa with 14 points. Australia and Pakistan would both finish with 10 points, and Pakistan would claim the fourth spot, earning them a place in the World Cup knockout stage.
To simplify, Pakistan’s road to the semi-finals is challenging, and it hinges on their ability to win all remaining matches and hope for several other specific outcomes in the tournament.
It’s a tall order, but cricket is known for its unpredictability, and fans will be eagerly watching to see if Pakistan can pull off this unlikely path to the semi-finals.
