New Zealand defeated Sri Lanka by five wickets in the 41st match of the ICC World Cup 2023 at the Chinnaswamy Stadium, Bengaluru, India, on Thursday.
The Black Caps’ crucial win has made Pakistan’s path to the World Cup — which was already difficult — nearly impossible as they require a massive win over England in their last match in Kolkata on November 11.
Here is how Pakistan can qualify for the World Cup semi-final:
If Pakistan bat first against England, they would have to beat them by 287 runs.
If Pakistan bowls first against England, they would have to chase down the target with 284 balls to spare, which means in just 2.4 overs.
India, South Africa, and Australia have already booked their place in the mega event’s semi-final and as of now, three teams — New Zealand, Afghanistan, and Pakistan — are fighting for the one vacant position.
As things stand, the Black Caps seem to be in a dominating position to qualify and they are followed by Pakistan while Afghanistan’s position is the weakest courtesy of their negative net run rate (NRR).