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The ODI World Cup 2023 has entered an exhilarating phase as the competition for a spot in the semifinals intensifies. While India and South Africa have already secured their places in the semis, the race for the remaining two spots is in full swing, featuring several teams in contention.
Among the teams in close pursuit of the top two sides, India and South Africa, are Australia, New Zealand and Pakistan in the points table. Australia stands with 10 points, having secured 5 wins in 7 games, while New Zealand and Pakistan each have 8 points, based on 4 wins out of 8 games.
Afghanistan, with 8 points as well, face the challenge of a negative net run rate (-0.330). With this context in mind, let’s explore the various semifinals qualification scenarios for Australia, Pakistan and New Zealand.
Australia’s qualification scenarios
Australia, currently standing in a strong position with 10 points from 5 wins in 7 games, have several scenarios to secure a place in the semifinals.
- Two wins: Australia can guarantee their qualification by winning both of their remaining matches, which would propel them to 14 points.
- One victory: Winning at least one of their remaining matches will also ensure Australia’s qualification with 12 points.
- Net Run Rate: In the event of losing both remaining matches and finishing on eight points, Australia can secure a spot in the semifinals by having a superior net run rate compared to at least two of the other teams (New Zealand, Afghanistan, Pakistan) who may also finish with 10 points.
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New Zealand’s path to the semifinals
New Zealand, with 8 points from 4 wins out of 8 games, have their own set of scenarios for semifinal qualification.
- One win: To secure a place in the semi-final, New Zealand must win their remaining match, which would take them to 10 points. Additionally, they need to maintain a higher net run rate than at least two of the other teams (Australia, Afghanistan, Pakistan) who could also accumulate 10 points.
- Net Run Rate: If New Zealand lose their remaining match and finish on eight points, their qualification hopes rely on Pakistan and Afghanistan losing all of their remaining matches, along with maintaining a superior net run rate compared to other teams that might also finish on eight points.
Pakistan’s route to the semis
Pakistan, sharing 8 points with New Zealand, have a somehow similar scenarios to clinch a semifinal berth in ODI World Cup 2023.
- One victory: Pakistan’s path to the semifinals involves winning their remaining match to accumulate 10 points. In addition, they must maintain a superior net run rate compared to at least two of the other teams (Australia, New Zealand, Afghanistan) who could also achieve 10 points.
- Net Run Rate: In case Pakistan lose their remaining match and finish on eight points, their qualification hopes hinge on New Zealand and Afghanistan losing all of their remaining matches. Furthermore, they need to secure a higher net run rate than other teams that might also finish on eight points.
