Pakistan's ODI World Cup 2023 semifinals qualification scenario

Pakistan's aspirations for a World Cup 2023 semifinal spot suffered a significant setback following New Zealand's comprehensive victory over Sri Lanka. Pakistan had hoped for a Sri Lankan win to maintain realistic chances of reaching the semifinals. However, New Zealand's dominant performance has all but almost eliminated Pakistan from the tournament. Having dismissed Sri Lanka for 171 runs, the Kiwis crossed the target in the 24th over. 

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Despite Pakistan's reliance on rain to alter the equation, the expected precipitation in Bengaluru did not materialize. A washout would have restricted New Zealand to nine points, making Pakistan's qualification possible with a win over England. With this win the Black Caps have raised their Net Rate Rate (NRR) to +0.743 and 10 points in their kitty to cement their number four spot on the points table.

Pakistan is currently ranked 5th with 8 points and NRR +0.036. The Men in Green are up against England for their final group game and they will need a miraculous win to stay alive in the tournament. With the defending champions winning the toss and electing to bat first, Pakistan's qualification scenario is now clear. If Babar Azam's bowlers bowl England out for 50 runs, his batters will have to cross the target in just 2 overs. 

If England score 100 - Chase in 2.5 overs 

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If England score 150 - Chase in 3.4 overs 

If England score 200- Chase in 4.3 overs

If England score 250 - Chase in 6.1 overs.

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Had they batted first, Pakistan must beat England by 287 runs. Both scenarios are highly unlikely although the English team are not at their best. From what it looks now, the New Zealand side is likely to play India in the first semifinal at Wankhede Stadium on November 15.  

New Zealand solidify fourth spot with win over Sri Lanka

New Zealand's decision to bowl first reaped rewards as their pace trio, led by Trent Boult, Tim Southee, and Lockie Ferguson, dismantled Sri Lanka's top order, securing four wickets within the opening 10 overs. Despite Kusal Perera's resistance, Sri Lanka faced early struggles. The star leg spinner Mahesh Theekshana emerged as a crucial figure, stabilizing the innings and leading a resistance against the New Zealand bowlers.

Although the Sri Lankan tailenders extended the innings beyond the 40th over, they were eventually bowled out for 171 runs. The partnership between Theekshana and Madushanka for the last wicket was notable, adding 43 runs. Trent Boult excelled with three wickets, while Ferguson, Rachin Ravindra, and Mitchell Santner contributed two wickets each.

Chasing the target, New Zealand's opening pair, Devon Conway and Rachin Ravindra initiated their innings with a robust 86-run partnership for the first wicket. However, both openers couldn't carry the innings through to the end. The star left-handed batter, Conway, departed for 45 runs in the 13th over, followed by Ravindra in the next over after contributing 42 runs. Despite brief setbacks, skipper Kane Williamson's departure for 14 runs, and losing another wicket as Daryl Mitchell couldn't restrain himself, Daryl Mitchell and Glenn Phillips guided New Zealand to a 5-wicket victory in the match.