Pakistan have had a dismal, rudderless campaign at the 2023 ODI Cricket World Cup so far. Despite a convincing victory in their previous game against Bangladesh at the Eden Gardens, the Men In Green find themselves with just six points from the seven games they have played so far. This means they can get up to a maximum of 10 points, which are certainly not sufficient to ensure qualification for the semi-finals. (Points Table | Full Coverage | Cricket News)
And hence, even if they win both their remaining games, Pakistan will also need help from other teams, including their arch-rivals India, to sneak through to the last-four stage. India will take on Sri Lanka in their next game and if the hosts win it, that will eliminate the Lankans from the semi-final race and make things a bit easier for Pakistan. So don't be surprised if you see videos of Pakistani fans cheering India on Thursday, November 2 when they face SL.
But that alone won't be enough for the Babar Azam-led team. They will also hope that Afghanistan win at most one of their remaining three games to end with eight or fewer points. If Afghanistan win two matches and so do Pakistan, then both teams will end with 10 points and it could come down to net run rate.
This, however, will only happen if all three of South Africa, New Zealand and Australia do not make the semis cut. With six wins from six games, India are virtually guaranteed a place in the knockout stage. Thus, three other spots remain, and for Pakistan to eye one of them, one of the above teams must miss out. South Africa and New Zealand are locking horns in Pune, and if South Africa beat the Kiwis, it would help Pakistan's cause.
The Babar Azam-led side would also want Sri Lanka to beat New Zealand, in which case Pakistan can leapfrog the Kiwis into the top-four. Pakistan's remaining two games are against New Zealand and England, and it goes without saying that both the games are do-or-die ones for the Men In Green.
