World Cup 2023 Semi-Final: Wasim Akram's Hilarious Idea On How Pakistan Can Qualify

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World Cup 2023 Semi-Final: Legendary Wasim Akram has given an hilarious idea on how Pakistan can still qualify for the last four despite New Zealand's massive over Sri Lanka on Thursday (November 9).

New Zealand's 5-wicket victory with 26.4 overs to spare against Sri Lanka at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru seems to have all but sealed the Blackcaps' record-equalling ninth Cricket World Cup semi-final appearance.

But former pacer Akram has suggested the latest talk of the town - "Timed Out" - idea for Pakistan to stand a chance when they face England in their final ICC World Cup 2023 round-robin match at the Eden Gardens in Kolkata.

For Pakistan to topple New Zealand in fourth place, they will need a miracle to get to 10 points and improve their Net Run Rate (NRR). New Zealand boosted their NRR further with the win over Sri Lanka.

The Blackcaps have improved their NRR from +0.398 to +0.743, while Pakistan's NRR stands at +0,036 with one game left to play. So, they need to win by a margin of 287 runs, and if they are chasing, they need to dismiss England for 50 and chase the target in two overs or 100 runs in three overs.

While all this seems unrealistic, Akram has given an hilarious idea for Pakistan to seal their spot when talking on A Sports post-match show after New Zealand beat Sri Lanka.

"Mathematically it is still possible. Pakistan should bat first against England and post runs, then lock the England team in the dressing room and get them timed out," said Akram on A Sports.

Pakistan, who opened their campaign with victory over Netherlands and Sri Lanka, suffered back to back defeats to India, Australia, South Africa and Afghanistan before they got back in the conversation for a semi-final spot with wins over Bangladesh and New Zealand.

Babar Azam's side will now look to end their campaign on a high when they face England at the Eden Gardens in Kolkata on the penultimate day of the round-robin fixtures - Saturday, November 11.

If Pakistan miraculously achieve victory by required margin to qualify for the semi-final, they will face arch-rivals India at the iconic Eden Gardens, but if they fail to reach the last four, then it will be India vs New Zealand semi-final at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai on November 15.