Team India's formidable performance in the ODI World Cup 2023 extended after their emphatic seven-wicket victory over Pakistan at Ahmedabad's Narendra Modi Stadium, which marked their third consecutive win in the tournament. This resounding victory over arch-rivals propelled them to the top spot in the ODI World Cup 2023's points table, overtaking New Zealand by virtue of their superior net run rate (NRR).
Rohit Sharma won the toss and opted to bowl first. Their fierce bowling lineup studded with Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Siraj, Hardik Pandya, Kuldeep Yadav, Ravindra Jadeja skillfully limited Pakistan to a meager total of 191 runs. Pakistan, who were initially positioned well at a solid 155 for the loss of two wickets, suffered a dramatic batting collapse, losing eight wickets in a span of 36 runs.
Captain Rohit's batting masterclass was once against on display as he crafted an impactful innings, scoring a formidable 86 runs off 63 balls to lead India to a comprehensive victory.
How many more win India need to make it to semis?
India have so far notched three wins in as many matches to top the points table. Beside India, New Zealand and South Africa are the other two teams who are unbeaten in the ongoing ODI World Cup 2023. Team India, before defeating Pakistan, they got the better of Australia and Afghanistan in their initial two matches.
Talking about the ODI World Cup's semifinals race, it's tough to estimate the number of victories India need to notch. Notably, 2019 ODI World Cup followed a similar format to that of 2023 when New Zealand secured a spot in the semifinals with just five wins. Consequently, India find itself merely two victories away from entering the qualification zone.
However, historical comparisons remind us that in the 2019 World Cup, both Pakistan and New Zealand finished with the same number of points and one washout each, totaling 11 points. Despite their identical points tally, Pakistan failed to qualify for the semifinals. Hence, the requirement for qualification is likely to be higher this time around.
Moreover, it's important to consider that the 2019 World Cup experienced four washouts in the league stage, a scenario less likely in the 2023 edition.
Therefore, it is reasonable to anticipate that teams will need a minimum of six wins (equivalent to 12 points) to secure a semifinal berth. Consequently, India still need to secure three more wins to enhance their chances of progressing to the knockout stage. Should they attain seven victories (an additional four wins), it would likely secure their spot at the top of the table.
India's 2023 ODI World Cup's roster will see them now clashing against Bangladesh in Pune, New Zealand in Dharamsala, England in Lucknow, Sri Lanka in Mumbai, South Africa in Kolkata, and the Netherlands in Bengaluru.
If India manage to win the ODI World Cup 2023 title, it will be their first ICC trophy after a drought of 10 years as they last tasted the glory after clinching Champions Trophy in 2013.
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