What are Pakistan's qualification chances for World Cup 2023 semi-finals?

25.10.2023 - 11:47 thenationalnews.com

Pakistan were up until recently the top-ranked ODI team in the world. They also possessed the best bowling attack in white-ball cricket.

But within a matter of weeks, their world has come crashing down after injury to premier pacer Naseem Shah and a string of shocking defeats.

Having started the World Cup in India with morale-booting wins against Netherlands and Sri Lanka in Hyderabad, Babar Azam’s team have suffered chastening losses to India, Australia and Afghanistan.

The defeat against the Afghans in Chennai was the most devastating, as they were outplayed in all three aspects of the game by a team that had never defeated them in an ODI.

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Pakistan find themselves in a spot of bother at the Cricket World Cup 2023. They needed two big wins in their remaining matches to stand a chance of making it to the semi-finals, but with New Zealand batters clobbering a huge total, their chances look a lot more bleak. Pakistan entered the game against New Zealand with only three wins out of seven matches and were lurking in the bottom half of the table. The 1992 champions have struggled for consistency despite getting a good start and as it stands, their future in the tournament remains uncertain. New Zealand's Rachin Ravindra scored his third century of the tournament, backed by a terrific 95 off 79 balls from captain Kane Williamson. They finished with 401/6 in 50 overs, New Zealand's highest team total in the ODI World Cup.

Watch: Having Booked Cricket World Cup 2023 Semi-Final Spot, Indian Team Arrives In Kolkata For South Africa Game

The Indian cricket team on Friday arrived at Kolkata airport ahead of their clash against South Africa in the World Cup. After securing one of the final four spots in the ongoing World Cup, India will square off against South Africa who have had a sensational tournament till now. The Men in Blue are currently unbeaten after playing seven games in the tournament so far and will be keen to continue with their winning run. Mohammed Shami's arrival in the playing XI has reshaped the entire pace unit and has added a different dimension to their attack.

"If The Team Wins...": Pakistan Star Hits Back At 'Biryani' Criticism During Cricket World Cup 2023

It has not been an impressive campaign for the Pakistan cricket team at the Cricket World Cup 2023 till now. They have won three out of their seven matches and the Babar Azam-led side face a tough uphill battle for semi-final qualification. While the players and the Pakistan Cricket Board have come under a lot of pressure for the display, one of the major points made by fans and experts revolve around the food dish 'biryani'. Since coming to India, Pakistan cricketers have indulged in biryani from various cities and that has made its way into criticism from different corners following some dismal on-field performances.

New Zealand vs Pakistan Live Score, Cricket World Cup 2023: New Zealand Eye Turnaround Against Pakistan

New Zealand vs Pakistan Live Updates, Cricket World Cup 2023: An injury-tormented New Zealand, further weakened by the exit of Matt Henry, seek resurgence while Pakistan need a continuation of their recent resurrection, and that subtext of desperation could turn their crucial World Cup match into a classic at M Chinnaswamy Stadium, Bengaluru on Saturday. The fortunes of New Zealand and Pakistan went through sharp curves after a bright beginning, leaving them in a tight spot in the race to the semifinals of the quadrennial big bash.

Watch: Having Booked Cricket World Cup 2023 Semi-Final Spot, Indian Team Arrives In Kolkata For South Africa Game

Cricket World Cup 2023: On Tight Security In India, Pakistan Team Director's 'Back In Covid Times' Take

Pakistan team director Mickey Arthur on Friday described the tight security facing his team at the World Cup in India as "stifling", leaving players feeling as if they are "back in Covid times". Arthur's comments came a day ahead of the team's crucial match against New Zealand which Pakistan must win to keep their hopes alive of reaching the semi-finals. Several Pakistan players have already suffered fever and flu at various stages of the tournament which fast bowler Hasan Ali attributed to "room sickness." Players are not allowed to venture out of their hotel without heavy security, forcing them to spend most of their time in hotel rooms.