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ODI World Cup (Source-Twitter)
The ODI World Cup 2023 is witnessing an amazing end to the group phase matches. Three teams are fighting for the fourth spot in the points. Pakistan, New Zealand, and Afghanistan
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The first three spots in the table have already booked their spot in the final stages of the ODI World Cup 2023. India was the first team to enter the semi-finals followed by South Africa and Australia.
Pakistan is set to take on England in their final game of the ODI World Cup 2023 on Saturday in Kolkata. The result of the game between New Zealand and Sri Lanka will play a huge role in Pakistan’s likely qualification for the next round.
Likely qualification scenarios for the men in green
It is a simple equation for Pakistan here if New Zealand loses to Sri Lanka on Thursday, then Pakistan just has to win against England. A win on Saturday will see Babar Azam and his side with 10 points compared to the 8 that New Zealand will have.
The Pakistani team will also need to hope that South Africa beats Afghanistan in their final game on Friday. The Afghans nearly won their 5th game of the ODI World Cup 2023 on Tuesday by beating Australia. Glenn Maxwell though played the innings of a lifetime to snatch a win from the jaws of defeat.
If New Zealand happens to win against Sri Lanka in Bengaluru, it will mean Pakistan will have its task cut out. Since New Zealand is batting second in the game on Thursday the task gets even harder for Pakistan.
In case the Kiwi team chases down the score within the 25th over, the Pakistani team will have to win by over 270 runs or chase down the target under five overs. Both the scenarios are impossible despite England’s misfiring squad not being at their best.
Hasmatullah Shahidi and his side will still fancy their chances but a Kiwi win almost spells an end to their World Cup chances. Afghanistan will have to beat South Africa by an outstanding margin to better their run rate compared to the Kiwis.
In the Sri Lanka versus New Zealand match, the Lankans were bowled for 171 in the 47th over. Kusal Perera top-scored with 51 runs while Maheesh Theekshana scored 38. Trent Boult picked three wickets as Lockie Ferguson, Mitchell Santner and Rachin Ravindra picked two wickets each.