Will Qudrat ka nijam work for Pakistan, all qualification scenarios if New Zealand beat Sri Lanka in Bengaluru

In the ongoing ODI World Cup 2023, three teams are fighting for the last semifinal spot. New Zealand, Pakistan, and Afghanistan are in a three-way battle for one last spot. While considering the net run rate of all of these teams, Pakistan and New Zealand seem to have more realistic chances.

Kane Williamson-led New Zealand is currently facing Sri Lanka in Bengaluru. Riding on a phenomenal bowling performance, New Zealand bundled up Sri Lanka for a mere 171 runs in 46.4 overs. Considering that New Zealand is likely to win the game, it will be a daunting task for Pakistan to qualify for the semifinals.

With a great NRR of +0.398 in eight games, New Zealand has an upper hand over Pakistan, who have an NRR of +0.036. It clarifies that the Pakistan cricket team has a daunting task to make their way into the top 4. A win for New Zealand will eventually decrease their chances of qualifying for the semifinals. However, if Sri Lanka successfully defends the 171 runs, Pakistan will just need to win the game against England.

What if New Zealand beats Sri Lanka in Bengaluru?

However, if New Zealand wins the game against Sri Lanka, Pakistan will not just need to win their last game by a great margin. Considering New Zealand beats Sri Lanka in 35 overs, Pakistan will need to beat England by 225 runs or chase the target in 14 overs. Meanwhile, if the Kiwis win in 40 overs, Pakistan will need to either win by 193 runs or in 19 overs.

Further, if Kiwi wins in 45 overs, Babar Azam and company will need to win their game by 160 runs, or 23 overs. Considering if the New Zealand vs. Sri Lanka match goes beyond 49 overs, Pakistan will need to win their game against England in 27 overs, or by 137 runs. So, it will be a daunting task for Pakistan to qualify for the semifinals of the ongoing tournament.