World Cup Semis Scenario: How Pakistan Can Still Finish In Top 4 Spots

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 to push Pakistan out of the top four.

It was followed by a one-wicket defeat against South Africa at Chennai as the Proteas chased down 271. The only positive for them is that their net run rate did not take a massive hit despite four consecutive defeats (currently -0.387).

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

India, who have won all six matches, and South Africa who have been in stellar form have created a major divide with the rest of the teams. These two sides have one foot in the semi-finals while the third and fourth positions are up for