PAK vs NZ: Pakistan semi-finals qualification chances with looming Bengaluru rain and Afghanistan win

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PAK vs NZ: New Zealand's three consecutive defeats for once made the semi-final path look a bit easier for once, however on the eve of their match against the Blackcaps at M Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru, they have been hit by a couple of problems.

Afghanistan have gone past them with a thumping seven-wicket victory over Netherlands on Friday. They went past Pakistan to occupy the fifth spot with four wins in seven matches. Pakistan, placed sixth, have three wins in as many matches. Even if Afghanistan manage to win one of their two matches, they will finish ahead of Pakistan.

However, that could be a secondary concern for Babar Azam's men at the moment. The main job at hand is to win their remaining two games against New Zealand and England. The two opponents are strong, the already under pressure Pakistan are feeling the heat from the Bengaluru weather as well.

PAK vs NZ: Bengaluru Weather Update, Will Pakistan crash out if match is abandoned due to rain?

Rain has been predicted in Bengaluru on Saturday, November 4. The precipitation level will be as high as 90 percent and the humidity level will go up to 73 percent. Chances of rain will be highest from between 1 PM to 3 PM and 5 to 6 PM.

The match starts at 10:30 AM and chances of the match getting abandoned is low. However, in case that happens, the two points will be shared. Pakistan and New Zealand will get a point each. Pakistan will then have seven points after 8 matches, and New Zealand will have nine points. Even a win against England in their last match will just help them equal New Zealand's nine points. In that case, New Zealand is likely to qualify due to a superior Net Run Rate (NRR).

New Zealand have a positive NRR of 0.484. Pakistan's NRR is minus 0.024. England, their last opponent in round robin stage, are eyeing a spot in ICC Champions Trophy 2025 and are going to come all guns blazing.

Beating England and that too with a massive margin would not at all be easy. New Zealand will face an under-confident and under-pressure Sri Lanka in their last league stage match.

Has Afghanistan win dented Pakistan's semi-final chances?

Definitely Yes. But the good news for Pakistan is that Afghanistan face Australia and South Africa in their last two games. Afghanistan have been mighty impressive this World Cup but them beating these two title favourites looks highly unlikely.

How Can Pakistan qualify for World Cup 2023 semi-finals?

They need to beat New Zealand and Sri Lanka and hope New Zealand to lose against Sri Lanka, and Afghanistan to lose against Australia and South Africa. If Afghanistan lose just one game, and Pakistan win both, then the NRR of both teams will come into play.