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

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. David Warner and Mitchell Marsh's centuries in Bengaluru took Australia to 367/9 and in response, Pakistan could only manage 305 runs.

To worsen their situation, Afghanistan picked up their first win against Pakistan in ODIs in Chennai. The Afghan batting unit chased down a challenging 283-run target comfortably and won by eight wickets as Pakistan are currently out of the top four. The only positive for them is that their net run rate did not take a massive hit despite three consecutive defeats (currently -0.400).

With four matches remaining, they still have a chance to reach the semi-finals, but they will require some assistance from other teams. Pakistan will face South Africa next in Chennai, followed by Bangladesh, New Zealand and England.

India, New Zealand and South Africa have been in stellar form and have created a major divide with the rest of the teams. These three sides have one foot in the semi-finals and the only position up for grabs is the fourth spot - currently occupied by Australia.

Here's a look at the different scenarios:

1. Pakistan