ICC World Cup 2023 Qualification Scenarios: How can Sri Lanka and Pakistan qualify for semi-finals?

The ODI World Cup 2023 is well past the halfway stage but all 10 teams are still in contention to make it to the semi-finals.

Teams like India and South Africa are on the brink of semi-final qualification, having accumulated 12 points and 10 points, respectively, after playing six games each. New Zealand and Australia round up the top four at the moment, both having secured eight points after playing six games.

Both Afghanistan and Sri Lanka had four points from five games prior to their face-off on Monday, October 30. The 'Blue Tigers' emerged victorious by seven wickets and are currently placed at No. 5 on the points table behind the Aussies.

Sri Lanka have made semi-final qualification slightly difficult with their loss to Hashmatullah Shahidi's men in Pune on October 30. There is still a mathematical possibility of two teams finishing on 12 points or more, and as many as seven teams ending up on eight, fighting for two spots. 

Therefore, Sri Lanka, who can finish on a maximum of 10 points, are still in with a shout. They have games left against India (November 2), Bangladesh (November 6), and New Zealand (November 9). India and New Zealand are in prime form in the marquee event and Sri Lanka will have to bring their A-game to get the better of them.

Can Pakistan end four-match losing streak and make it to the semi-finals?

Pakistan began their campaign with back-to-back wins against the Netherlands and Sri Lanka but have gone on to lose their next four games on the trot. The 'Men in Green' have four points in six games like Sri Lanka. However, Pakistan's net run-rate (NRR) of -0.387 is a concern with Sri Lanka's being comparatively better at -0.275.

Even if Pakistan win all their remaining three games (against Bangladesh, New Zealand, and England), they won't be able to equal India's current tally of 12 points. However, if at least one of New Zealand, South Africa or Australia lose a few games and do not exceed the 10-point mark, Pakistan can get back in the reckoning, with NRR proving to be the decisive factor. Even if Pakistan lose one game, they will still have a chance to qualify with the eight-point scenario mentioned above.

Also Check: ODI World Cup 2023 Points Table