In a stunning turn of events at Delhi's Arun Jaitley Stadium on Sunday, October 16, Afghanistan scripted one of the most remarkable upsets in Cricket World Cup history, toppling the defending champions England. This resounding 69-run victory marks a watershed moment for Afghanistan, as it signifies only their second-ever triumph in the tournament's history, and their first over a full-member nation. Notably, this historic win comes after an agonizing eight-year wait.
Afghanistan's triumph reverberates as a major setback for England, as it plunges their hopes of securing a semi-final spot into uncertainty. The 2019 champions have encountered a dismal start to their campaign, succumbing to defeats in two of their three matches in the competition till now. Joining them in this poor start are Australia, Netherlands, and Sri Lanka, all of whom are yet to taste victory.
ICC Cricket World Cup 2023 Semi-Final fight thickens
This shocking defeat has left England with little margin for error in the tournament. Conversely, it has brought clarity to the fortunes of India, New Zealand, and South Africa, the sole undefeated teams in the competition thus far. These three teams now stand as the firm favourites for securing semi-final berths, enjoying the luxury of enduring up to two defeats without much concern.
Silver lining for Australia and Pakistan
The outcome of the England vs Afghanistan clash has brought smiles to both Australia and Pakistan camps. Australia, despite being relegated to the 10th spot in the table, now see a realistic opportunity to clinch fourth place if they can triumph over Pakistan and England while avoiding any unexpected setbacks in matches they are anticipated to win.
Meanwhile, Pakistan, fresh from a demoralising defeat to India, can draw hope from their performance. The participation of Australia and England in the competition bolsters Pakistan's standing, given their record of two wins in three games, which fares relatively well compared to their lacklustre showing against the Men in Blue.
The Battle for qualification
Sri Lanka and the Netherlands, with two losses in as many games, confront an uphill battle to secure a spot in the semi-finals. However, Afghanistan and Bangladesh remain in contention, provided they can secure favourable results in their upcoming matches.
Path to the Semi-Finals
While it is still premature to ascertain the exact number of wins required, the 2019 edition offers valuable insights. New Zealand advanced with just 11 points, equivalent to five wins. This leaves India and New Zealand a mere two wins away from semi-final berths. Nonetheless, it is crucial to note that Pakistan narrowly missed out with the same points tally, underscoring the uncertainty of this benchmark. Furthermore, the 2019 edition experienced four washout matches, a scenario less likely in the current competition.
So, assuming that six wins prove adequate, India and New Zealand must secure three wins from their remaining six games. South Africa's path requires four victories from their next seven matches, while Pakistan needs four wins from their remaining six games. Australia and the Netherlands face the challenge of winning six out of their seven remaining matches. In the case of England, Bangladesh, and Afghanistan, they must clinch victory in five of their remaining six games.
MORE ON SPORTS TAK
Great news for Sanju Samson fans! Star Kerala batter to take field with Asian Games gold medallists during World Cup; Know where and where
More disappointment for England after shock loss to Afghanistan, World Cup defending champions become first team to achieve unwanted feat
ENG vs AFG: Wasim Jaffer brutally trolls Michael Vaughan with 'Hasbulla clip' after Afghanistan shock England
