How Under-Fire Pakistan Can Qualify For Cricket World Cup 2023 Semi-Finals: Explained

26.10.2023 - 09:29 sports.ndtv.com

Pakistan find themselves in a spot of bother at the ICC Men's Cricket World Cup 2023 as the tournament heads into the second half.

The 1992 champions have struggled for consistency despite getting a good start and as it stands, their future in the tournament remains uncertain.

Pakistan won their opening match against the Netherlands in Hyderabad, before completing a World Cup-record run chase against Sri Lanka at the same venue.

However, the tables started turning once they headed to Ahmedabad to face hosts India. A terrible batting performance against India resulted in a seven-wicket defeat and that was followed by a thumping at the hands of the Australian batters.

cricket Pakistan Cricket Team World Cup 2023 Explained cup semi-finals David Warner Shaheen Afridi Mitchell Marsh Babar Azam Mohammad Rizwan Netherlands Australia South Africa New Zealand India Sri Lanka Afghanistan Bangladesh Pakistan

Former Pakistan captain Ramiz Raja slammed the bowlers and the country's cricket board following the team's poor performance in ODI World Cup 2023. The Babar Azam-led side failed to qualify for the semi-finals of the tournament after finishing at the fifth spot in the points table at the end of the league stage. Pakistan lost five of their nine matches that included a disappointing eight-wicket loss at the hands of Afghanistan. Ramiz didn't mince words while slamming the bowlers and the Pakistan Cricket Board.

"Pakistan Team Was Too Soft...": Ex-India Star's Damning Cricket World Cup 2023 Verdict

Pakistan cricket team had a disappointing run in the Cricket World Cup 2023 and the Babar Azam-led side failed to qualify for the semifinals after losing five out of their nine group stage matches. A massive reason behind the capitulation was the lack of form shown by the Pakistan pacers and the bowling department as a whole. Former Indian cricket team star Mohammed Kaif took to social media and said that the Pakistan side was "too soft" and their pacers were "too nice" in this World Cup.

"We Say MS Dhoni Changed India's Cricket, But He Never...": Mohammad Amir On Pakistan's System Amid Cricket World Cup Debacle

The Pakistan cricket team's poor show in the Cricket World Cup 2023 has seen them earn plenty of flak from the cricketing fraternity, especially back home. Skipper Babar Azam has been at the center of criticism, both for his below-par show with the the bat and poor captaincy. While some have blamed Babar's leadership solely for Pakistan's poor show, others have called out the 'system' that prevented the players from delivering their best on the field. Former Pakistan pacer Mohammad Amir, on the other hand, feels the 'system' shouldn't be blamed.

Babar Azam To Meet PCB Chief Following Pakistan's Poor Show In Cricket World Cup 2023: Report

Pakistan skipper Babar Azam arrived in Lahore on Monday following the failed World Cup campaign, with the word going around that he will not voluntarily step down and wait for the the Pakistan Cricket Board to take a call. Babar, who was received by his family members at the Lahore International Airport, looked downcast as he came out of the building surrounded by security personnel. The insider word is that Babar will meet PCB chief Zaka Ashraf this week and will take a call on his all-format captaincy after the meeting. Pakistan, the 1992 champions, failed to make it to the semifinals after an unimpressive run where they lost five of the nine league matches. Babar was first made the white-ball captain in late 2019 and, in 2021, he also took over as the Test skipper. He has led Pakistan in two Asia Cups, two T20 World Cups and the ongoing ODI World Cup without winning any title.

Cricket World Cup 2023: Mitchell Marsh Powers Australia To 8-Wicket Win Over Bangladesh

Star all-rounder Mitchell Marsh displayed his six-hitting prowess on way to a magnificent 177 not out as Australia warmed up for the semifinals with an eight-wicket thrashing of Bangladesh in the World Cup in Pune on Saturday. Set a target of 307, Australia rode on Marsh's third ODI hundred and fifties from David Warner (53) and Steve Smith (63 not out) to complete the task with 32 balls in hand. The five-time champions will face South Africa in their semifinal in Kolkata on November 16.

"We Have A Plan": Babar Azam's Clear Take On Pakistan's Cricket World Cup 2023 Semis Scenarios

Pakistan cricket team skipper Babar Azam said on Friday that the team is aware of the improbable scenarios that can lead to their qualification for the Cricket World Cup 2023 semi-finals and they have already formulated a plan in accordance to the situations. Following New Zealand's huge win over Sri Lanka on Thursday, Pakistan will now have to win by more than 287 runs if they bat first and in case of a chase, they need to complete it with 284 balls to spare. While the situation is heavily against the 1992 champions, Babar maintained that 'anything can happen' in the game of cricket.