South Africa joined India in the ODI World Cup 2023 semifinals after Pakistan beat New Zealand.
Kolkata: Australia knocked defending champions England out of ODI World Cup 2023 semifinal contention while South Africa joined India in the last four after Pakistan beat New Zealand via DLS method on Saturday. Australia consolidated their third spot with 10 points while Pakistan also rose to fifth courtesy of their fourth win. New Zealand (+0.398), Pakistan (+0.036) and Afghanistan (-0.330), all on eight points each, take the fourth, fifth and sixth position respectively due to their net run rates.
With two spots still up for grabs in the ongoing World Cup semifinals, it’s a four-way battle among Australia, New Zealand, Pakistan and Afghanistan. Let’s take a look at the qualification scenarios of the four teams in discussion.
Australia – (Wins- 5, Losses – 2), NRR – +0.924
- Australia win their remaining two matches to finish on 14 points and be guaranteed qualification
Win one of their remaining matches to finish on 12 points and be guaranteed qualification. - Even if Australia lose both of their remaining matches but need to finish with a better NRR than at least two of the other teams (New Zealand, Afghanistan, Pakistan) who can also finish on 10 points.
- Still to play: Afghanistan (November 7), Bangladesh (November 11)
New Zealand (Wins – 4, Losses – 4), NRR – +0.398
- New Zealand need to win against Sri Lanka by such a margin that their NRR is better than at least one of the other teams that can also finish on 10 points.
- Even if New Zealand lose against Sri Lanka, they need to finish on eight points with a better NRR rate than any of the other teams also on that mark.
Still to play: Sri Lanka (November 9)
Pakistan (Wins – 4, Losses – 4), NRR – +0.036
- Pakistan need to win win against England and finish on 10 points, and play that they finish with a better NRR than at least two of the other teams (Australia, New Zealand, Afghanistan) that can also finish on same margin.
- Even if Pakistan lose their final game against England they will require a significant helping hand from NRR to finish on eight points and in the top four
- Still to play: England (November 11)
Afghanistan (Wins – 4, Losses – 3), NRR: -0.330
- Afghanistan need to win their two remaining matches to finish on 12 points and seal qualification.
- Win one of their two remaining matches to finish on 10 points, and finish with a better NRR than at least two of the other teams (Australia, New Zealand, Pakistan) that can also finish on 10 points.
- Still to play: Australia (November 7), South Africa (November 10)