New Zealand and Sri Lanka are currently competing in the 41st match of the ICC World Cup 2023 at the M.Chinnaswamy Stadium, Bengaluru, India, on Thursday and the Black Caps have to chase a 172-run target.
Sri Lankan batters looked helpless against the Kiwis' bowling attack and failed to keep their wickets and were bundled out for just 171 runs.
Here is how Pakistan can qualify for the World Cup semi-final:
If New Zealand chase this target in 25 overs, Pakistan will have to beat England by 270+ runs or with 275 balls to spare, meaning they would have to chase the target in 4.1 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 closely followed by Pakistan while Afghanistan's position is the weakest courtesy of their negative net run rate (NRR).
A win tonight would all but confirm Kane Williamson's men's place in the knockout stage.
Schedule of remaining World Cup matches
November 9: New Zealand vs Sri Lanka @ M Chinnaswamy Stadium, Bengaluru (ongoing)
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.
