Pakistan and Afghanistan out of World Cup 2023? How can they qualify for Semifinals?

'Hum dukhi hain, Lekin humse jyada dukhi do aur log hain' (We are sad, but two people are sadder than us) - this parodical quote innovated from the lines of 3 Idiots can be the situation for the Sri Lanka fans.

Yes, Sri Lanka are eliminated from the World Cup 2023, but the writing was on the cards for them. Their swansong in India has also ended on a sour note as New Zealand mauled them by 5 wickets with more than half of overs to spare.

And the gigantic win of New Zealand has almost put the nail in the coffins of Pakistan and Afghanistan. The two Asian teams are still to play a match each in the group stages, but they are virtually eliminated.

Afghanistan, who lost their last match against Australia courtesy of a blitzkrieg from Glenn Maxwell, can reach 10 points if they beat South Africa tomorrow. Pakistan, if they beat the reigning Champions England, can also reach 10 points. The Kiwis have finished their group-stage campaign with 10 points as well.

But Magic Wand of Nate's run rate has given the New Zealand team a massive breather, as they have almost run away with the lead in the NRR terms. With the dominant victory over Sri Lanka, the NRR of the Black Caps is +0.743, while Pakistan sit on +0.036, and Afghanistan further behind at -0.338.

But there is still a way for both teams. Let's have a look at how-

World Cup 2023: Pakistan Semifinal Qualification Scenario

Pakistan will have to beat England by 277 runs or more, if they bat first.

Hence, winning the toss and scoring a mammoth total of excess of 400 plus is the only way for Pakistan to qualify for the semi-finals. Also, in that case, they will have to bowl out England at a very cheap score. If England decide to bat first, then the chance for Pakistan to qualify for the semi-finals is all but over.

If Pakistan bowl first, they will have to dismiss England for 50 runs and chase that down in 2.3 overs. That is the best scenario for them if Babar Azam and co. takes the field in Kolkata on Saturday.

World Cup 2023: Afghanistan Semifinal Qualification Scenario

For Afghanistan, the task is almost impossible. Afghans will have to win by a margin of 438 runs if they have to go past the net run rate of New Zealand. If South Africa bat first, Afghanistan will be eliminated then and there.