World Cup 2023: India's potential semifinal opponents Explained - Where will Men in Blue play in Semis?

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India have qualified as the group-stage winners of the ICC World Cup 2023 after a resounding victory over South Africa in Kolkata.

The hosts currently have 16 points after 8 matches, winning all of their eight matches so far in the group stages. Their remaining group stage match is against Netherlands, but irrespective of that result, Rohit Sharma and his troops will finish at the summit of the World Cup 2023 standings.

As India's focus now shifts to the semifinals, there are already permutations and combinations who will be their potential semifinal opponents. There is also a tiny clause which makes it unsure where team India will play in the semis of the World Cup.

World Cup 2023: Who are India's potential semifinal opponents?

India have finished at the top of the standings. As per the rule, they will play the team finishing 4th in the group stages.

South Africa and Australia have also qualified for the semis, whereas Pakistan, Netherlands, Sri Lanka, New Zealand and Afghanistan are still in the race for the remaining two places.

Among the teams, Sri Lanka and Netherlands have the faintest chances to qualify for the semis. Hence we will not account them in the race.

South Africa will occupy either the 2nd or 3rd place, hence they can't be India's opponents in the semifinal. Australia, after their magnificent victory over Afghanistan, will be finishing either 2nd or 3rd in the table.

Realistically New Zealand, Pakistan or Afghanistan can be India's semifinal opponent. Afghanistan will have to wintheir last match to have a chance at a semifinal spot. The scenario for Pakistan and New Zealand to reach the Last Four is quite intertwined with their results in their respective final group-stage matches.

World Cup 2023: Where and When will India play their semifinal Match?

India's semifinal dates are not confirmed yet, as it all depends on Pakistan's qualification.

As per India's standings, Rohit Sharma and his troops will play the semifinal in Mumbai on November 15.

But if Pakistan finish 4th in the table, then India's meeting with Pakistan will be moved to Eden Gardens in Kolkata on November 16 as Babar Azam and co. are not going to play in Mumbai, a PCB demand which has been agreed by ICC.