The Pakistan team has not been very impressive in the ongoing ODI World Cup so far. They played seven matches and lost four of them. Pakistan lost to India and Australia by big margins. However, a thriller against South Africa ended in the Proteas’ favor. The biggest setback for Pakistan was the defeat against Afghanistan. Pakistan’s three victories were against comparatively weak teams, including the Netherlands, Bangladesh, and Sri Lanka.

Pakistan chased down the target of 205 runs against Bangladesh in the 33rd over to better their net rat rate and keep hopes alive for qualification for the next round. But the mathematical scenarios were looking unrealistic.

Pakistan started hoping to reach the semi-finals, as there is now less dependence on other teams’ matches. New Zealand’s heart-wrenching loss against South Africa has not only opened a closed door for Pakistan but also drawn curtains for the Kiwis. Before the South Africa vs. New Zealand match, there was a big difference between Pakistan's and New Zealand’s net run rates. On November 1, 2023, the Proteas bowled the Kiwis out of 167, beating them by 190 runs. New Zealand’s net rate falls from +1.232 to +0.484, while Pakistan has improved its net run rate from -0.387 to -0.024.

Scenario for Pakistan to qualify for the semi-finals

Afghanistan and Sri Lanka are also in the race for the semifinals, but Pakistan's net run rate is better than that of the two teams. However, Pakistan is still depending on the other team's match. Pakistan will be playing two must-win games against New Zealand and England on November 4^th and 11th, respectively. The first target for Pakistan is to surpass the Kiwis’ net run rate. To do this, Pakistan needs an 83-run win (if they bat first) or to chase the target in 35 overs. If Pakistan beats New Zealand on November 4, 2023, then both teams will have equal points on the points table; the only question will be their NRR.

Pakistan needs to win the upcoming two games by a good margin, and then a decision may be taken on NRR in a situation where points are equal.

Pakistan’s Dependence on Other Match Results

If the following results come from the matches, then Pakistan will have a chance to qualify for the semis, at least on the net run rate.

1. South Africa or Australia beat Afghanistan.
2. India beat Sri Lanka and the Netherlands.