New Zealand’s big loss in Pune keeps Pakistan and Afghanistan in race

New Zealand’s 190-run defeat to South Africa last Wednesday has renewed hopes of the likes of Pakistan, Afghanistan and Sri Lanka as the race to the semi-finals heats up in the business end of the league stage.

Meanwhile South Africa opener Quinton de Kock who hit his fourth world cup century against New Zealand equalled Kumar Sangakkara ‘ s record but Sanga did it in four consecutive matches while Rohit Sharma has the record of highest world cup centuries of five and de Kock has good chance to pass that milestone.

This time world cup semi-final race is well and truly alive in World Cup 2023. 13 league matches are left and it seems as if only two teams, India and South Africa, are assured of clinching a berth in the semi-finals. Australia are sitting pretty in third spot but the battle for 4th place has spiced up after New Zealand’s loss to South Africa in Pune on Wednesday

A week back, it looked like the top four battle was over with India, South Africa, New Zealand and Australia looking a cut above the rest in the World Cup. However, New Zealand’s dip in form has given a lease of life to the bottom-placed teams. The Black Caps have lost their last three matches, which includes the 190-run crushing defeat to South Africa on Wednesday.

After their second-biggest defeat in World Cup history and their Net Run Rate took a massive blow. They have 8 points from 7 matches, only 2 points more than 5th-placed Pakistan and 6th-placed Afghanistan.

South Africa need to win one of their remaining two games to qualify for the semi-finals. They have 12 points from 7 matches. 12 might also be enough for them as their Net Run Rate is the best in the tournament, having scored in excess of 350 4 times in this World Cup.

If Afghanistan lose one of their remaining three matches, both India and South Africa will seal qualification with just 12 points.

India need to win one of their remaining 3 games to be assured of a spot in the semi-final. India have 12 points from 6 matches.

Australia need to win at least one of their remaining 3 matches to remain in contention for the semi-final. The 5-time champions will be assured of a spot if they manage to win 2 of their remaining 3 or win all of them.

However the match between Sri Lanka and India will decide chances of Sri Lanka to get or not for the semi final. If Sri Lanka win against India they have slight chance to enter semi finals but they should win further two matches with good run rate. Meanwhile if India win against Sri Lanka their semi final berth will be certain.

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