However, former England captain Michael Vaughan had a tongue-in-cheek crack at the scenarios, throwing an India vs Pakistan semi-final into the equation.
South Africa now lead the table with 12 points from seven matches and are ahead of unbeaten India, who also have 12 points, on net run rate, but having played a match more than the hosts. Australia occupy the third spot with 8 points from 6 matches and New Zealand have slipped to No. 4 with 8 points from 7 matches.
Pakistan’s seven-wicket win over Bangladesh have kept them in the fray at No. 5 with six points from seven matches, which makes the Pakistan vs New Zealand match on Novmeber 4 critical to the equation. Meanwhile, Afghanistan too are still very much in the race with six points and having played a game less than Pakistan.
In the context of Pakistan’s chances, if New Zealand lose both their remaining matches and Pakistan win their remaining two, then an India vs Pakistan semi-final might become a reality.
That’s what prompted Vaughan to post on microblogging website ‘X’: “India v Pakistan semi in Kolkata anyone?”
The post invited an equally cheeky response from former Pakistan pacer Shoaib Akhtar: “These things have spoilt us in the past also Vaughany,” responded Akhtar along with a laughing emoji.
Besides New Zealand on November 4, Pakistan will take on England in their concluding league match on November 11 and New Zealand will meet Sri Lanka on November 9.