Over 25,000 spectators were treated to one of the most thrilling matches of World Cup 2023, as Pakistan and South Africa delivered a performance to remember in Chennai on Friday, October 27. Pakistan was desperate for the two points, while South Africa aimed to prove their chasing prowess, especially after their unexpected defeat to the Netherlands in Dharamsala earlier in the tournament.
Ultimately, South Africa clinched a nail-biting one-wicket win as Keshav Maharaj's composed finish ensured the Proteas didn't let another game slip away when victory seemed certain.
Pakistan's formidable pace attack of Shaheen Shah Afridi, Haris Rauf, and the emerging Mohammad Wasim Jr., put up a spirited fight. They unsettled South Africa's lower order, compensating for their batter's lacklustre performance. A target of 270 on the balanced Chepauk pitch seemed insufficient, but Pakistan's bowlers kept the hope alive until Mohammad Nawaz's ill-fated delivery.
Skipper Babar Azam's disappointment was evident when Nawaz's wayward ball was dispatched by Maharaj, dissipating the pressure Pakistan had built post-Markram's dismissal at 91. The loss was a bitter pill for Pakistan, with Babar acknowledging the team's anguish.
The victory was crucial for Pakistan's semi-final aspirations. Yet, even with this setback, their journey to the top 4 isn't over. South Africa's triumph propelled them to the pinnacle of the World Cup 2023 leaderboard, accumulating 10 points from 6 games. India, set to play a beleaguered England side on Sunday, trails but has an extra match to play.
New Zealand occupies the third position with 8 points, while Australia holds onto the fourth spot with 6 points. Sri Lanka appears to be the most likely contender from the bottom six to break into the top 4. However, the semi-final race remains open. Afghanistan, too, has a slim chance, but challenging matches lie ahead.
Here's a roadmap for Pakistan's potential semi-final berth in World Cup 2023.
PAKISTAN'S SCHEDULE
vs Bangladesh in Kolkata on Tuesday, October 31
vs New Zealand in Bengaluru on Saturday, November 4
vs England in Kolkata on Saturday, November 11
Pakistan can qualify if
Australia lose three of their next four matches. In an ideal situation for Pakistan, Australia beat New Zealand and lose their remaining three matches.
Australia will then end up with only 8 points and Pakistan will have 10 points.
Australia losing 2 of their next 4 matches also opens up a possibility, but Pakistan have to then rely on Net Run Rate to go through.
AUSTRALIA'S REMAINING FIXTURES
vs New Zealand on Saturday, October 28 in Dharamsala
vs England on Saturday, November 4 in Ahmedabad
vs Afghanistan on Tuesday, November 7 in Mumbai
vs Bangladesh on Saturday, November 11 in Pune
Pakistan can also qualify if New Zealand lose all their remaining matches and Sri Lanka and Afghanistan lose at least 2 of their next 4 matches.
Pakistan have an opportunity to hurt New Zealand's chances when the two sides meet on November 4, provided New Zealand don't win both of their upcoming matches.
New Zealand will then have only 8 points and Pakistan can finish with 10 points.
In the case of a 10-point tie with New Zealand, Pakistan need several results to go their way and a big Net Run Rate boost.
New Zealand's Remaining Fixtures
vs Australia on Saturday, October 28 in Dharamsala
vs South Africa on Wednesday, November 1 in Pune
vs Pakistan on Saturday, November 4 in Bengaluru
vs Sri Lanka on Thursday, November 9 in Bengaluru
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