ODI World Cup 2023: Will Pakistan qualify for semis if New Zealand-Sri Lanka tie in Bengaluru gets washed out?

New Zealand will take on Sri Lanka in a crucial ODI World Cup 2023 fixture on Thursday, November 9, in Bengaluru. Teams like India, South Africa, and Australia have already sealed their spots in the semi-finals of the marquee event. A win for New Zealand on Thursday will take them very close to securing the remaining semi-final spot.

The Kane Willamson-led side currently have eight points from as many games. They won their first four games before embarking on a four-match losing streak. They are currently placed at No. 4 on the points table with a net run-rate (NRR) of +0.398. Pakistan and Afghanistan also have eight points from eight games each. While the 'Men in Green' have an NRR of +0.036, the 'Blue Tigers' have an NRR of -0.338. The three contenders for the one remaining semi-final slot have one game left to play.

New Zealand can extend their lead difference to Pakistan and Afghanistan with a win against Sri Lanka in Bengaluru. However, there is a chance of rain playing spoilsport on Thursday,  in the Garden City of India. It is important to note that there is no reserve day allotted for any game in the league phase of the ODI World Cup 2023. If incessant rain causes a washout, New Zealand and Sri Lanka will get one point each. The Blackcaps will finish the league stage with nine points. This will give Pakistan and Afghanistan a chance to topple them on points with wins in their respective last league games. 

NZ-SL tie washout can help Pakistan to make it to ODI World Cup 2023 semifinal

If New Zealand's game against Sri Lanka gets abandoned, Babar Azam and Co. will have a great chance to secure the remaining semi-final spot as they have a far superior NRR than the Afghans. A win for the former champions on Saturday, November 11 against England in Kolkata could be enough for them to progress to the semis. Afghanistan will play their final league game against South Africa on Friday, November 10, in Ahmedabad.

Also Check: ODI World Cup 2023 Points Table