In a compelling cricket match at Eden Gardens, Kolkata, on Tuesday, Pakistan secured a remarkable victory, defeating Bangladesh by seven wickets in the 31st match of the ongoing ICC World Cup 2023.
Despite this significant win, Pakistan’s journey to the World Cup semi-finals remains fraught with challenges. To secure a spot in the semi-finals, Pakistan not only needs to continue winning their remaining matches but also rely on specific outcomes from other teams, particularly New Zealand. The Black Caps currently have eight points from six games, and for Pakistan to qualify for the knockout stage with 10 points, New Zealand must lose their upcoming matches.
In an ideal scenario, the following results are crucial for Pakistan’s semi-final aspirations:
- Match 32: New Zealand vs South Africa — South Africa win
- Match 33: India vs Sri Lanka — India win
- Match 34: Afghanistan vs Netherlands — Afghanistan win
- Match 35: Pakistan vs New Zealand — Pakistan win
- Match 36: England vs Australia — Australia win
- Match 37: India vs South Africa — India win
- Match 38: Sri Lanka vs Bangladesh — Sri Lanka win
- Match 39: Australia vs Afghanistan — Australia win
- Match 40: England vs Netherlands — England win
- Match 41: New Zealand vs Sri Lanka — Sri Lanka win
- Match 42: South Africa vs Afghanistan — South Africa win
- Match 43: Bangladesh vs Australia — Australia win
- Match 44: Pakistan vs England — Pakistan win
- Match 45: India vs Netherlands — India win
In this hypothetical scenario, India would finish first with 18 points, followed by South Africa with 14 points. Australia would secure third place with the same number of points as South Africa. Pakistan, with 10 points, would finish fourth and earn a place in the knockout stage of the World Cup.
Pakistan’s upcoming ICC World Cup 2023 matches are as follows:
- November 4: Pakistan vs New Zealand in Bengaluru (Day match)
- November 11: Pakistan vs England in Kolkata
The day matches are scheduled to start at 10:00 am Pakistan Standard Time (PST), while all other matches will be day-night fixtures beginning at 01:30 pm PST.
If Pakistan successfully qualifies for the semi-finals, they will compete in Kolkata. However, if India also secures a spot in the semi-finals, they will play in Mumbai, unless they face Pakistan, in which case the match will be held in Kolkata.
