How can Pakistan still make it to World Cup semi-final?

Following New Zealand’s remarkable five-wicket triumph over Sri Lanka at the M.Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru, Pakistan’s prospects of reaching the World Cup semifinals have dwindled significantly.

The Kiwis catapulted to the fourth spot with a resounding Thursday victory, amassing 10 points and boasting a net run rate of 0.743. In contrast, Pakistan stands at eight points with a net run rate of 0.036.

To salvage any hope of progressing, Pakistan faces an uphill task against England. They would need to secure a victory with a margin of approximately 288 runs, surpassing New Zealand’s superior net run rate.

ESPN’s S Rajesh noted, “If England gets to 150, Pakistan will have to chase the target in 3.4 overs.” Trent Boult, rightfully earning Player of the Match, sealed the fate of the Thursday clash.

I’m not under any pressure, says skipper Babar Azam

Captain Jos Buttler expressed England’s determination to rectify their course in the ongoing ICC Men’s World Cup 2023, aiming for a top-eight finish to secure a spot in the 2025 Champions Trophy.

For Pakistan, making it to the semifinals hinges on achieving specific scenarios: scoring 400 and limiting the opponent to 112, scoring 350 and restricting the opponent to 62, scoring 300 and restricting the opponent to 13, or scoring 450 and restricting the opponent to 161.

Adding a touch of humor to the situation, cricket legend Wasim Akram proposed a lighthearted strategy for Pakistan’s first semifinal appearance since 2011.

Akram suggested exploiting the recent controversy around timed-out dismissals, recommending the Pakistani team make a competitive score and then lock the dressing room of the England team for 20 minutes, possibly resulting in timed-out dismissals for their batters—a comical twist in a tense cricket scenario.