World Cup 2023: How Pakistan can still qualify for semi-finals despite heartbreaking defeat vs South Africa

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World Cup 2023: Pakistan is not yet out of the World Cup 2023 despite their heartbreaking one wicket defeat against South Africa at the HPCA Stadium in Dharamsala on Friday.

Pakistan gave it their all to defend a 271-run target. The pace trio of Shaheen Afridi, Haris Rauf and Mohammad Wasim Jr did an exceptional job to make the match an extremely nail-biting one. Pakistan could have in fact ended up winning the thriller but umpire's call saved South Africa number eleven Tabraiz Shamsi on the final ball of the 46th over from Haris Rauf.

The defeat was Pakistan's fourth on the trot. With four loses in six matches, Pakistan are occupying the sixth spot in the ten-team World Cup 2023 table. South Africa, who have played a match more than India, are sitting at the top of the table.

India, the only unbeaten team at the World Cup 2023, are sitting at second with five wins in five matches. New Zealand (8 points - 4 wins in 5 matches) and Australia (6 points - 3 wins in 5 matches) are occupying the third and fourth spots respectively.

World Cup 2023: How Pakistan can still qualify for semi-finals

Pakistan need to win their remaining three matches: It's a no brainer. Pakistan first of all need to win each of their remaining three matches in the round robin stage of the World Cup 2023. They face Bangladesh in Kolkata on October 31, New Zealand in Bengaluru on November 4 and England in Kolkata on November 11. Pakistan will react to 10 points if they win all the three matches.

Australia lose at least two of their last four matches: In case, Australia manage to win just two of their remaining games, they will finish with 10 points. The Net Run Rate (NRR) would come into play. Therefore, Australia losing three of their remaining four matches will give Pakistan the best shot. The five-time champions are facing New Zealand, England, Afghanistan and Bangladesh in their last four matches.

New Zealand lose all their remaining games: New Zealand will face Australia, South Africa, Pakistan and Sri Lanka in their last four matches. Pakistan would want them to lose all these matches. The same will restrict New Zealand to 8 points.

Sri Lanka and Afghanistan to lose at least two of their last four matches: Sri Lanka are sitting at sixth just ahead of Pakistan after 26 matches of World Cup 2023. They have four points after registering two wins in five matches. Afghanistan have also registered two wins from seven matches. They are seventh - one place behind Pakistan.

If they lose two of their respective four matches, they will be restricted to eight points. Sri Lanka are scheduled to face Afghanistan, India, Bangladesh and New Zealand, while Afghanistan will clash against Sri Lanka, Netherlands, Australia and South Africa.

Pakistan must all be aware of these permutations and combinations, but they are easier said and written than done. The biggest issue Pakistan are facing is that they don't have control over their own fate. Australia and New Zealand are in great forms. However, the sport of cricket is highly unpredictable and the Pakistan team do believe in miracles.

In the press conference ahead of the South Africa clash, Shadab Khan had talked about miracles and Pakistan coming all guns blazing in a do-or-die situation. The Men in Green will have their fingers crossed.