World Cup 2023 Points Table: How Does Pakistan's Loss To Afghanistan Impact Its Semi-final Chances

World Cup 2023 Points Table: Pakistan got a heavy jolt in the Cricket World Cup as they slumped to their third straight loss in Chennai on Monday. Coming into the match against Afghanistan, Pakistan were reeling after defeats against the Indian cricket team and the Australian cricket team. Against Afghanistan, they needed a win to boost their chances but instead the Hashmatullah Shahidi-led side stunned the higher-ranked Pakistan team by eight wickets. Batting first, Afghanistan restricted Pakistan to 282/7 in 50 overs in the Cricket World Cup match. (World Cup Points Table)

Then, boosted by half-centuries from Rahmanullah Gurbaz (65), Ibrahim Zadran (87) and Rahmat Shah (77*), Afghanistan cruised towards the target. Shah and Afghanistan skipper Hashmatullah Shahidi (48*) stayed unbeaten to take their team to an eight wicket win.

With this win, Pakistan remained stagnant at the fifth spot with four points from five matches (NRR -0.400) while Afghanistan rose to the sixth spot (4 points, 5 matches, NRR -0.969). Pakistan's remaining matches are against South Africa, Bangladesh, New Zealand and England. South Africa and New Zealand are in top form while England are the defending champions. Their road to semi-finals is now very tough.

Afghanistan, who had earlier stunned defending champions England, next face Sri Lanka, Netherlands, Australia and South Africa. With the giant-killing spree that Afghanistan are in, any team would be wary of them.

Skipper Babar Azam struck a composed half-century before useful cameos by lower-order batters guided Pakistan to 282 for seven against Afghanistan in their World Cup match on Monday.

Opener Abdullah Shafique made 58 off 75 balls and Babar got 74 off 92 balls, but had it not been for