The race for the remaining semi-final spots in the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup 2023 is intense, with multiple teams vying for a place in the knockout stage. While India have already secured their spot with a flawless record of eight wins, the remaining two spots are up for grabs.
South Africa are in a strong position with six wins and a positive net run rate which have confirmed their place in the knockout stage. Australia, with five wins, can secure qualification by winning both of their remaining matches. If they win one, their net run rate will be crucial. New Zealand, with four wins, must win their last match against Sri Lanka and rely on their net run rate.
Pakistan, Afghanistan, Sri Lanka, and the Netherlands face tougher paths. Pakistan need a win against England to stay in contention and must maintain a higher net run rate than other competitors. Afghanistan must win both their remaining matches to ensure a semi-final spot and a single win with a favourable net run rate could also see them through.
Sri Lanka have to win both their remaining matches and hope for other results to go their way, along with securing a higher net run rate. The Netherlands, although still mathematically in contention, face an uphill battle and must win both matches with favourable net run rate outcomes.
In this article, we will take a look at the qualification scenario of all teams for the World Cup 2023 knockout stage.
India: Undefeated Dominance
- Wins: 8
- Losses: 0
- Net run rate: +2.456
- Still to play: Netherlands (12 November)
Path to qualification: India have already secured their place in the semi-finals and tops the table with an unbeaten streak.
South Africa: Strong Contenders
- Wins: 6
- Losses: 2
- Net run rate: +1.376
- Still to play: Afghanistan (10 November)
Path to qualification: South Africa are already qualified for the event.
Australia: In Search of Two Wins
- Wins: 5
- Losses: 2
- Net run rate: +0.924
- Still to play: Afghanistan (7 November), Bangladesh (11 November)
Path to qualification: Australia can secure qualification by winning both of their remaining matches. A single win may be enough if other results go in their favor. Losing both matches would require a higher net run rate than competing teams.
New Zealand: Must Win and Hope
- Wins: 4
- Losses: 4
- Net run rate: +0.398
- Still to play: Sri Lanka (9 November)
Path to qualification: New Zealand need to win their remaining match against Sri Lanka and rely on their net run rate to surpass other teams in contention. A loss would require favorable outcomes from other matches.
Pakistan: Crucial Clash with England
- Wins: 4
- Losses: 4
- Net run rate: +0.036
- Still to play: England (11 November)
Path to qualification: Pakistan must beat England to have a chance of reaching the semi-finals. Winning this match with a higher net run rate than rival teams is vital. Losing to England would demand a stronger net run rate and reliance on other results.
Afghanistan: Need a Perfect Finish
- Wins: 4
- Losses: 3
- Net run rate: -0.330
- Still to play: Australia (7 November), South Africa (10 November)
Path to qualification: Afghanistan need two wins to guarantee a semi-final spot. A single win, coupled with a favorable net run rate, could also see them through. Losing both matches would require relying on other results and maintaining a better net run rate.
Sri Lanka: A Glimmer of Hope
- Wins: 2
- Losses: 5
- Net run rate: -1.162
- Still to play: Bangladesh (6 November), New Zealand (9 November)
Path to qualification: Sri Lanka must win both of their remaining matches, hope that New Zealand, Pakistan, and Afghanistan lose their remaining games, and secure a higher net run rate.
Netherlands: A Distant Possibility
- Wins: 2
- Losses: 5
- Net run rate: -1.398
- Still to play: England (8 November), India (12 November)
Path to qualification: Netherlands face an uphill battle. They must win both matches and rely on other results, hoping for a better net run rate. As of now, Bangladesh and England are eliminated from the competition.
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