ISLAMABAD: It seems all over for Pakistan even before their last match as it need to beat England by at least 287 runs or bowl them out in just three overs if they bat first in their match against England tomorrow (Saturday) in the Cricket World Cup-2023 at Eden Gardens international cricket stadium in Kolkata.
The equation seems not only a herculean task, but simply an impossible one, especially if Pakistan loses toss. A day earlier, New Zealand crushed Sri Lanka in Bangalore, sealing a spot in the semi-finals at the expense of Pakistan.
Victory against Sri Lanka left New Zealand on 10 points in pole position to claim the last semi-final berth and join India, South Africa and Australia. Pakistan will now need to beat England by an almost impossible margin of 287 runs to surpass New Zealand on net run rate.
After defeating Sri Lanka, New Zealand have 10 points with a net run rate of +0.743. Pakistan is fifth on the table with eight points and a net run rate of +0.036 and it will have to beat England by around 287 runs while batting first or by about 284 balls to spare while chasing the target. If Pakistan bat first and posts a huge total, it is among the possibilities to beat England by a margin of 287 runs. But the second scenario – if England bats first – seems almost impossible.
Afghanistan, who also had slim hopes of qualifying for the semis, find themselves in a similar position as Pakistan before their upcoming clash with South Africa.
