Pakistan secured a crucial seven-wicket victory against Bangladesh in Kolkata on Tuesday, ending a streak of four consecutive defeats in the ongoing World Cup.
This win was vital for Pakistan's aspirations to stay in contention for a spot in the World Cup semi-finals. However, several challenges still lie ahead.
To maintain their hopes, Pakistan must win their remaining matches. Ideally, they also need New Zealand to lose their remaining games since the Kiwis currently hold eight points from six matches. If New Zealand loses their next three matches, they would finish the group stage with eight points, and Pakistan can advance to the knockout stage with 10 points if they win their next three matches.
In an ideal scenario, the following results would benefit Pakistan's chances of reaching the semi-finals:
- Match 32: New Zealand vs South Africa — South Africa wins -
Match 33: India vs Sri Lanka — India wins -
Match 34: Afghanistan vs Netherlands — Afghanistan wins -
Match 35: Pakistan vs New Zealand — Pakistan wins -
Match 36: England vs Australia — Australia wins -
Match 37: India vs South Africa — India wins -
Match 38: Sri Lanka vs Bangladesh — Sri Lanka wins -
Match 39: Australia vs Afghanistan — Australia wins -
Match 40: England vs Netherlands — England wins -
Match 41: New Zealand vs Sri Lanka — Sri Lanka wins -
Match 42: South Africa vs Afghanistan — South Africa wins -
Match 43: Bangladesh vs Australia — Australia wins -
Match 44: Pakistan vs England — Pakistan wins - Match
45: India vs Netherlands — India wins
If all the results align with this scenario, India would top the table with 18 points, followed by South Africa with 14 points. Australia and Pakistan would both finish with 10 points, and Pakistan would secure the fourth spot, qualifying for the World Cup knockout stage.
Pakistan's remaining ICC World Cup 2023 matches are as follows: -
November 4 - vs New Zealand in Bengaluru (Day match) -
November 11 - vs England in Kolkata