New Zealand chased 172 in 23.2 overs to all but seal the fourth semi-final berth at the 2023 World Cup ahead of Pakistan and Afghanistan.
New Zealand went into Bangalore with eight points from eight games. Their net run rate (+0.398) is significantly better than Pakistan’s +0.036 and Afghanistan’s -0.338, and a comfortable win would effectively keep them in the top four.
At the M Chinnaswamy Stadium, New Zealand defeated Sri Lanka for 171, chasing the target in 23.2 overs, increasing their net run rate to +0.743, making the situation almost impregnable for both Pakistan and Afghanistan.
But all is not lost in either Pakistan or Afghanistan, at least mathematically speaking.
CWC semi-final qualification criterion for New Zealand, Pakistan, Afghanistan
Pakistan needs to win by a large margin to beat New Zealand’s +0.743. IfPakistan bats first, they will have to beat England by about 287 runs. In other words, if they got his 350 points, they would have to knock England out of the game with 63 points.
When you first bowl, things become almost improbable. In this casePakistan will have to chase the target within an improbable time (3.4 overs for a target of 150, 4.3 overs for 200, 5.2 overs for 250, etc.).
Meanwhile, Afghanistan needs to win by around 438 points. In summary, they need to score his 450 points and beat South Africa with his 12 points. If you bowl first, you are eliminated.
Note: The distance between runs can vary (approximately by one run) depending on the exact number of points scored by Pakistan or Afghanistan in batting first. There is a gender.
CWC semi-final: Who plays whom, when, and where?
If New Zealand qualify, they will face India, who have already secured the top spot, in the first semi-final on November 15 at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai.
Australia and South Africa share second and third place, but not necessarily in that order. Whichever she finishes second in, the other semi-final will be held at Eden Gardens in Kolkata on November 16th.
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