ICC World Cup 2023: How can Pakistan still qualify for semi-final after PAK vs BAN match?

Pakistan have had a tumultuous ICC World Cup 2023 campaign so far. A tournament which started on a perfect note has crumbled into pieces in the last week or so.

After two victories to start their tournament, Pakistan have had a hat trick of losses. The wins over Netherlands and Sri Lanka now seem a distant memory as the Pakistan team has lost against India, Australia, Afghanistan and they lost against South Africa to push themselves on the back foot.

Their dismal record in the World Cup for the last few editions is quite vivid, but after all the hopes this time around, it looks like Babar Azam and his troops will come short on the global stage yet again. However, their emphatic win over Bangladesh has once again kept themselves in the hunt for semis.

Pakistan are currently on 6 points after seven matches, sitting 5th in the points table. With the teams set to play 9 group stage encounters, Pakistan have two more games in their way and will look to win their remaining World Cup 2023 matches. Their fate isn't completely in their hands now.

World Cup 2023: How can Pakistan still qualify for Semi-final?

The million-dollar question is this. Can Pakistan get to the last four of the tournament? Currently, the situation for Pakistan is hanging in the balance. With three consecutive defeats, they are staring down the barrel and need immediate resuscitation.

Pakistan have two matches remaining as they will play New Zealand (Nov 4) and England (Nov 11).

In the current scenario, Pakistan are with a host of teams on 6 points. Let's see how the next two matches can shape their fate.

3 wins in next 3 Matches

If Pakistan win their next two matches, they will get to 10 points at the end of group stages and that is the first step for them. In this case, they will have a glimmer of a chance of qualifying for the semifinals. The scenario will still not be in their hands that's for sure, as Babar Azam and his troops will have to depend on other results.

In the current situation, Pakistan's ideal situation will be to expect victories for India, New Zealand and South Africa. If these three teams directly go into the semi-finals by winning their next matches, then Pakistan can still have a chance of qualifying for the semi-finals.

They will have to win against New Zealand though, because if they lose against New Zealand, then their World Cup hopes are over. Then they will have to hope South Africa or Australia beat Afghanistan.

Pakistan World Cup 2023 Semifinal Qualification Scenario

Pakistan will have to beat their last three matches against Bangladesh, New Zealand and England.
Australia or South Africa defeat Afghanistan.
New Zealand lose to Sri Lanka and South Africa
India beat Sri Lanka and Netherlands.

If Pakistan lose any of their next two matches, then their World Cup hopes are over.