Pakistan World Cup 2023 Semifinal Scenario: How can Pakistan reach the Last Four?

Pakistan have heightened their hopes of the World Cup 2023 semifinal after their sublime win over New Zealand in the last match. The men in Green have risen from the ashes and are still viable in the tournament with just one match in their group stage campaign.

After two victories, the Pakistan team suffered four defeats in a row. But they have got two victories again on the trot and are still hanging on in India in the hopes of a semi-final date. Now, when it comes to Pakistan's semi-final chances, there are plenty of things we have to consider.

Babar Azam and his team are currently on eight points after playing eight matches The same points with New Zealand and Afghanistan. But for Afghanistan, the advantage is that they have played a match less.

Pakistan have their final match against England, while New Zealand play their final match against Sri Lanka. Afghanistan will be up against Australia and South Africa respectively in their last two matches.

Pakistan WC 2023 Semifinal Scenario: How Pakistan can qualify for World Cup semifinals?

Scenario 1 - Both Pakistan and New Zealand win, Afghanistan lose both Matches

In this case, only a victory for Pakistan won't do as they will have to beat New Zealand's Net Run Rate as well. The Kiwis have an NRR of +0.398, while Pakistan are on +0.036.

If New Zealand win by the barest of margins against Sri Lanka, Pakistan will have to win by more than 130 runs or chase the target down by 29 overs against England to overtake the Black Caps' NRR.

Scenario 2 - New Zealand lose, Pakistan win, Afghanistan win one out of two matches

In this case, both Pakistan and Afghanistan will finish on 10 points but considering Pakistan's already superior NRR, it will be tough for Afghanistan to breach that and get ahead of them.

Also, the Afghans face Australia and South Africa in their final two matches, so things won't be easy for them.

Scenario 3 - New Zealand win, Pakistan win, Australia lose two heavily, Afghanistan win vs AUS but loses vs South Africa

This is a much more complicated scenario. Imagine Australia losing against Afghanistan and Bangladesh by around 150- 200 runs! This scenario will only be viable if that happens twice, hence we can skip that from our mind.