New Zealand defeated Sri Lanka by five wickets in the 41st match of the ICC World Cup 2023 at the M.Chinnaswamy Stadium, Bengaluru, India, on Thursday and have one step in the event's semi-final.
With the win, the Black Caps improved their net run rate (NRR) to 0.743 and they sit fourth on the World Cup points table with 10 points in nine matches.
ICC World Cup 2023 points table:
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 NRR.
Pakistan's chances of qualifying for the World Cup semi-final are not mathematically over as they can still do it but it, by all means, has become nearly impossible.
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 bowl first against England, they would have to chase down the target with 284 balls to spare, which means in just 2.4 overs.
The Green Shirts play England next at Eden Gardens, Kolkata on November 11 and Jos Buttler's men need a win there to ensure their qualification for the 2025 Champions Trophy. By all means, one of two sides would lose one thing on Saturday.
Schedule of remaining World Cup matches
November 10: South Africa vs Afghanistan @ Narendra Modi Stadium, Ahmedabad
November 11: Australia vs Bangladesh @ Maharashtra Cricket Association Stadium, Pune.
November 11: England vs Pakistan @ Eden Gardens, Kolkata
November 12: India vs Netherlands @ M Chinnaswamy Stadium, Bengaluru
November 15: Semi-final 1 — First place vs fourth place @ Wankhede Stadium, Mumbai
November 16: Semi-final 2 — Second place vs third place @ Eden Gardens, Kolkata
November 19: Final — Winner of Semi-final 1 vs winner of Semi-final 2 @ Narendra Modi Stadium, Ahmedabad.
