The International Cricket Council (ICC) released a video to commemorate the occasion of Diwali, lighting up the Gateway of India in Mumbai with a brilliant light show. The lights were the colours of the 2023 edition of the tournament, with different photo montages.
However, there was an important part of the light show that will not please the Pakistan fans. In the video, India have been placed with New Zealand in the semi-final clash, despite Pakistan still standing an extremely outside chance of making it to the semi-finals.
In the aftermath of New Zealand's convincing five-wicket triumph over Sri Lanka in 160 balls, Pakistan finds itself on the brink of elimination from the World Cup.
Adding an air of anticipation, the ICC, through a spectacular light show at the iconic Gateway of India in Mumbai, unveiled the semi-final matchups. The captains of Australia and South Africa featured on one side, while the captains of India and New Zealand were highlighted on the other. This visual revelation sparked viral discussions, hinting that India and New Zealand are set to clash in the semi-final at Wankhede Ground on November 15.
For Pakistan to keep their semi-final aspirations alive, the mountainous task ahead involves not only defeating England but doing so by a margin of more than 287 runs. Complicating matters further, England, when batting second, has the liberty to set their target and chase it within a mere 15 balls. This daunting scenario has significantly narrowed Pakistan's path to the semi-finals.
Despite the formidable challenge, Captain Babar Azam remains optimistic about securing a substantial victory against England. As the team braces itself for this pivotal encounter, the focus will be on executing a flawless game plan, emphasizing both batting prowess and strategic bowling to create a scenario conducive to their improbable qualification for the semi-finals.
The outcome hinges not only on Pakistan's performance but also on the results of other matches, making the pursuit of victory a multifaceted challenge for the team.
MORE ON SPORTS TAK
Amid World Cup, England announce squad for T20I and Test squads for series against India
