The battle for the ODI World Cup 2023's second semifinal berth heats up with New Zealand, Pakistan, and Afghanistan all vying for the crucial fourth slot. With the top three positions sealed by Rohit Sharma's India, Temba Bavuma's South Africa, and Pat Cummins' Australia, the remaining matches holds utmost significance in deciding the fourth team to seal the coveted fourth place in the World Cup 2023's top four.
Notably New Zealand, Pakistan and Afghanistan are tied with eight points each on the points table with just one league match left respectively.
While New Zealand prepare to face Sri Lanka, Pakistan gear up for a challenging match against England, and Afghanistan set their sights on a daunting encounter with South Africa in their last league matches. New Zealand, currently boasting a better run rate, could be considered the front-runner, but the unpredictable Bengaluru weather threatens to derail their semifinal hopes with forecasts indicating a high probability of rain that could lead to a washout match. Going by the AccuWeather report, there are over 90 percent chances of rain in the city on. In that case Pakistan will be hugely benefited as New Zealand will end up finishing with just nine points if the match match gets scrapped which will benefit Pakistan.
But Pakistan's road to semifinal will not be a smooth ride as their semifinal chances hinge on favourable outcomes from other teams besides beating defending champions England in their last league match.
If Pakistan get the better of England, they will be through the semifinals with 10 points. However, beating reigning champions England won't be easy despite Jos Buttler-led side's dismal show in the ongoing World Cup. But looking at Pakistan's recent run after their series of defeats, the Men in Green certainly have and edge over England. After recording wins against Netherlands and Sri Lanka, Pakistan lost back-to-back matches against India, Afghanistan, Australia, South Africa. However, they made a comeback and dazzled with stunning wins against Bangladesh and New Zealand. If New Zealand suffer defeat against Sri Lanka or the match gets washed out, Pakistan chances of making it to the semis will definitely get a massive boost.
Beside this, Afghanistan will be aiming to defeat South Africa to atleast rekindle their semifinal hopes. However, the task for them will be win it by a big margin to boost their net run rate. But their semifinal chances also looks bleak because they need Pakistan and New Zealand to suffer defeats against Afghanistan and South Africa.
MORE ON SPORTS TAK
