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)