In a gripping encounter New Zealand secured a vital five-wicket victory over Sri Lanka in the 41st match of the ICC World Cup 2023, reshaping the semi-final landscape.
The Black Caps’ triumph has further complicated Pakistan’s already challenging journey to the World Cup semi-final. With a must-win situation against England in Kolkata on November 11, the Green Shirts find themselves in a tight spot, requiring an exceptional performance.
To secure a spot in the semi-final, Pakistan faces a daunting task:
- Batting First: If Pakistan opts to bat first, they must outshine England by a substantial margin of 287 runs.
- Bowling First: Choosing to bowl first, Pakistan needs to chase down the target within 284 balls.
The upcoming clash against England is crucial for Pakistan’s survival in the tournament. With New Zealand holding a net run rate of 0.74, Pakistan must either win by 287 or 288 runs or chase the target within 284 balls to surpass the Kiwis’ net run rate.
However, the scenarios change when Pakistan bats second, with the required deliveries altering based on the runs conceded. To enhance their chances, Pakistan’s optimal strategy is to bat first, amass a formidable score of 400, and restrict England to 112, elevating their net run rate above New Zealand’s.
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With India, South Africa, and Australia already securing their spots in the semi-finals, the race for the last position intensifies between New Zealand, Afghanistan, and Pakistan.
Presently, New Zealand holds a commanding position, with Pakistan closely following, while Afghanistan’s struggle is amplified by their negative net run rate (NRR). The stakes are high as the cricketing world eagerly awaits the outcome of these decisive encounters.
