CRICKET
ODI World Cup 2023 nearing its business end; How each team can qualify for the semi-finals
The 2023 Men’s Cricket World Cup has been delivering cricket fans exciting moments for the past one month and now it has reached the business end. All the teams have completed at least seven matches in the league stage so far, with two more matches remaining for a few teams.
While two teams have been eliminated from the tournament, only two teams have now secured their semi-berths as of now. In this article, we look at the semi-final qualification scenario for each of the 10 teams.
India
With seven wins in seven games, hosts India became the first team to qualify for the knockouts. The Men in Blue sealed their spot with a dominant 302-run win over Sri Lanka at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai on November 2. India currently tops the points table with a healthy net run of +2.102.
Upcoming Matches: vs South Africa (5 November), vs Netherlands (12 November)
South Africa
With six wins from seven games and a staggering net run rate of +2.290, South Africa are currently placed second in the points table. Pakistan’s thrilling win over New Zealand helped South Africa become the second team to qualify for the semi-final.
Upcoming Matches: vs India (5 November) vs Afghanistan (10 November)
Australia
Australia lost their first two matches but bounced back to record five straight wins and move up to third in the points table. With a 33-run win over England, the five-time champions have almost ensured a place in the last four.
- With 10 points already in hand, Australia can secure their spot on 14 points if they win their remaining two matches.
- If not two, then at least win one match to finish on 12 points and secure qualification.
- Australia can qualify even if they lose their remaining two matches and finish with a better net run rate. They should have a better NRR than at least two of the other teams (New Zealand, Afghanistan and Pakistan) who could finish with 10 points.
Upcoming Matches: vs Afghanistan (7 November), vs Bangladesh (11 November)
New Zealand
New Zealand started their campaign with four consecutive wins but lost four of their remaining matches and are in danger. With 8 points and a net run rate of +0.398, the Kiwis are currently fourth in the points table.
- Win the only remaining league match to finish on 10 points. They must also ensure a finish with a better net run rate than at least one of the other teams who can also finish on 10 points.
- If they lose the last match, they will get only 8 points. But if the other teams in the race finish at the same points and less run rate, New Zealand can enter the semis.
Upcoming Match: vs Sri Lanka (9 November)
Pakistan
Pakistan are tied with New Zealand on the points table with eight points. A 21-run win over the Black Caps on November 4 kept Pakistan in the hunt.
- Pakistan can get 10 points if they win the last remaining match. They should also finish with a better net run rate than at least two of the other teams (Australia, New Zealand, Afghanistan) that can also finish on 10 points.
- If they lose the match, they will need significant help from NRR to finish in the top four with eight points.
Upcoming Match: vs England (11 November)
Afghanistan
Afghanistan have had a dream run so far in this World Cup. They are in a better position than New Zealand and Pakistan with two matches to go. The Asian team is currently sixth in the points table with four wins and eight points.
- Afghanistan need to win their remaining two matches to finish with 12 points and secure qualification.
- If they win just one match to finish on 10 points, they can still qualify if they have a good net run rate. It will depend on at least two of the other teams (Australia, New Zealand, Pakistan) that can also finish on 10 points.
Upcoming Matches: vs Bangladesh (6 November), vs New Zealand (9 November)
Sri Lanka
Sri Lanka almost crashed out of the tournament after winning just two matches. But mathematically they can still qualify if something magical happens.
- They need to win their remaining two matches to finish on 8 points. This will not guarantee a semi-final spot. New Zealand, Pakistan and Afghanistan lose their remaining matches and their net run rate should be lower than Sri Lanka’s.
Upcoming Matches: vs Bangladesh (6 November), vs New Zealand (9 November)
Netherlands
The Netherlands and Sri Lanka are in the same boat, but the former will be proud of their campaign in this World Cup. With 4 points and a net run rate of -1.398, the Netherlands are currently eighth in the points table.
- Win two remaining matches to finish on eight points. Pray for New Zealand, Pakistan and Afghanistan to lose their remaining matches. They should also have a better run rate than other teams finishing with 8 points.
Upcoming Matches: vs England (8 November), vs India (12 November)
Bangladesh
Bangladesh were the first team to get eliminated from the tournament. They have won just one game out of seven matches.
Upcoming Matches: vs Sri Lanka (6 November), vs Australia (11 November)
England
After their 33-run defeat against Australia on November 4, England became the second team to get knocked out of the tournament. The defending champions have only managed to defeat Bangladesh in this World Cup and are currently at the bottom of the points table.
Upcoming Matches: vs Netherlands (8 November), vs Pakistan (11 November)
BIG NEWS
Nepal Premier League Becomes a Watershed Moment for Nepali Cricket
The NPL has become a watershed moment for Nepali cricket, elevating the sport to new heights. With its success, the league has brought national and international attention to Nepali cricket, attracting a broader fan base and better sponsorships.
This landmark event showcases the immense talent present in Nepal and provides a platform for local players to shine. The league has paved the way for a new generation of cricketers to gain recognition and advance their careers in the sport.
The NPL has also given Nepali cricket more global exposure. International players joining the league help raise the level of competition, further inspiring the local players. The league’s popularity continues to grow as it evolves and promises to be a cornerstone of Nepali cricket in the years to come.
As the league progresses, it is expected to inspire future stars and increase the overall development of cricket in Nepal. Fans eagerly follow every match, enjoying the thrilling action and supporting their favorite players and teams.
In conclusion, the Nepal Premier League has transformed Nepali cricket, setting the stage for future growth. This momentous development will surely lead to even greater success for Nepali cricket on the international stage.
The NPL has also sparked interest in domestic leagues across emerging cricket nations. It serves as a model for other countries to develop their cricketing infrastructure and provide young talent. As the NPL continues to grow, it is expected to play a vital role in shaping the future of Nepali cricket.
Fans have embraced the tournament, creating a sense of national pride. The NPL’s rise reflects the growing global interest in domestic cricket leagues and their role in nurturing future talent. It’s a significant milestone for Nepali cricket, ensuring that the sport will continue to evolve in the coming years.
BGT
Simon Katich Criticizes George Bailey’s Call to Axe Nathan McSweeney from Australian Team
Simon Katich has sharply criticized George Bailey’s decision to drop Nathan McSweeney from the Australian team. Simon Katich believes this call was a poor decision, especially after McSweeney’s consistent performance. Bailey’s choice has sparked discussions about the selection process and the reasoning behind it.
McSweeney’s exclusion has raised eyebrows, with many questioning why a player with such promise was dropped. Katich, in particular, feels that Bailey’s decision to axe McSweeney is questionable, especially when compared to the struggles of other top-order batters. Both teams in the recent series have faced challenges with their top-order batting, but the Australian selectors decided to make this change.
Katich’s comments reflect growing concerns about the selection strategy and the impact of dropping McSweeney. He pointed out that many players have struggled with their form, yet McSweeney was chosen to be left out. This, Katich argues, highlights the inconsistency in the decision-making process.
Top-order batters in both teams have faced difficulties, with neither side managing to produce consistent runs. Despite these struggles, the decision to remove McSweeney has left fans and experts questioning the rationale behind the move. Some believe that dropping McSweeney might have been premature, given the form of other players.
Katich’s criticism brings attention to the broader issue of player selections in international cricket. As teams prepare for future series, these decisions are likely to influence the direction of Australian cricket. The focus now shifts to how Bailey and the selectors will handle similar challenges in upcoming matches.
The debate continues, with many calling for more transparent and consistent decision-making regarding player selections in international cricket.
BGT
Steve Smith and Travis Head Address BCCI’s Influence in Cricket
Steve Smith recently commented on BCCI’s influence in cricket, sparking debates about its significant role in global governance. During a media interaction, Smith remarked that the International Cricket Council (ICC) appears less powerful than the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI). This statement drew attention, prompting Smith to clarify his intentions quickly.
Smith acknowledged that the BCCI holds a dominant position in cricket due to its financial and organizational contributions. He pointed out how the Indian board influences key decisions that shape the sport. However, Smith softened his tone, emphasizing that his comments were not meant as criticism of either the ICC or the BCCI.
Travis Head, Smith’s Australian teammate, also addressed BCCI’s influence in cricket. Head humorously referred to the Indian board as “rulers,” recognizing its ability to set global standards in cricket. He highlighted the board’s pivotal role in defining policies and establishing benchmarks for the sport.
These remarks have reignited discussions about power dynamics in international cricket. Critics argue that the BCCI’s financial clout often overshadows smaller cricketing nations. They believe this imbalance can hinder fair representation in decision-making. On the other hand, supporters emphasize the BCCI’s critical role in expanding cricket’s global reach and popularity.
As India hosts the ICC Cricket World Cup, the spotlight remains on the BCCI’s influence in cricket. The board’s central role in shaping schedules, policies, and trends continues to drive conversations about equity in the sport. Smith and Head’s remarks reflect ongoing concerns about maintaining fairness and inclusivity in global cricket governance.
Their comments underscore the need for balanced representation to ensure a fair future for cricket.
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