ODI World Cup 2023: Pakistan's chances to qualify for the Semi-Final

Babar Azam's Pakistan ended their losing streak with a much-needed win over Asian rivals Bangladesh at the Eden Gardens. Pakistan opener Fakhar Zaman played a brilliant knock while Shaheen Shah Afridi and Wasim Jr. scalped 3 wickets with the ball as Pakistan thrashed Bangladesh by seven wickets in match No.31 of the ICC ODI World Cup 2023.

Also Read: World Cup 2023: Shaheen Afridi fastest pacer to 100 ODI wickets

After batting first, Bangladesh folded for 204 in 45.1 overs. Pakistan's pacer looked lively for the first time in the competition. After Zaman's blistering knock of 81 off 74 balls, Pakistan chased the total comfortably by 7 wickets at the Eden Gardens, Kolkata

Before this victory, Pakistan were outplayed by arch-rivals India, record-time winners Australia and Afghanistan in the group stage of the ICC World Cup. With the win, Babar's Pakistan have confirmed Bangladesh's exit from the semi-final race at the ICC ODI World Cup 2023.

However, Pakistan still has a chance of qualifying in the last four of the ICC event. Pakistan has a run rate of -0.024 which helped them climb to the fifth spot of the points table. The 1992 winners are two points behind Australia and New Zealand. Second-placed South Africa are four points ahead of Pakistan but they haven't played their 7th game of the group stage yet.

Babar's men can make a strong case for themselves if either one of New Zealand, South Africa, or Australia end up losing a few matches and fail to cross the 10-point mark. Pakistan can get past its closest rival for a semi-final berth with a superior net run rate. Pakistan will next meet New Zealand this coming Saturday and England on November 11 in their remaining two matches of the group stage.

Pakistan's semi-final chances:

• Defeat NZ and ENG

• AUS or SA defeat AFG

• SA and SL defeat NZ

• IND beat SL and NED