Here is how India and Pakistan can again meet in ICC CWC 2023 -

November 5, 2023

0 likes

Here is how India and Pakistan can again meet in ICC CWC 2023

Following four consecutive losses in the middle of the 2023 Cricket World Cup, Pakistan seemed to be on the verge of packing their bags for an early departure, with their chances of reaching the semifinals diminishing. Their campaign commenced with wins over the Netherlands and Sri Lanka, but thereafter, it derailed with successive defeats to India, Australia, Afghanistan, and South Africa.

However, Babar Azam and his team managed to rally, securing victories against Bangladesh and New Zealand in consecutive matches, providing a glimmer of hope for their campaign revival. Bangalore’s weather worked in favor of the Pakistani team, as a combination of rain and resolute batting by Fakhar Zaman helped them overcome a confident New Zealand side in Bengaluru.

When you score Pakistan's fastest men's ODI World Cup century 🔥

Fakhar Zaman has put on a clinic in Bengaluru 🙌 #CWC23 #PAKvNZ pic.twitter.com/rSZ2TQXP1O

— ESPNcricinfo (@ESPNcricinfo) November 4, 2023

Now, the highly anticipated India vs. Pakistan semi-final appears to be on the horizon. A week ago, this scenario might have seemed unlikely, but the tide has turned. Nevertheless, Pakistan’s fate in reaching the semi-finals hinges on several factors.

They must defeat England in their upcoming match, ideally improving their Net Run Rate (NRR) in the process to accumulate a total of 10 points. Simultaneously, Afghanistan needs to lose their next two matches against Australia and South Africa, which would leave them with only 8 points. The qualification equation remains intricate, with Pakistan relying on multiple outcomes to work in their favor.

It will be for the first time since 2011 that India and Pakistan will face off in a Cricket World Cup semi-final. India were hosting the event and they won the contest by 29 runs at Mohali. Dhoni’s side set up 260 on the back of Sachin Tendulkar‘s 85 off 115.

In response, Pakistan were all out for 231 with India qualifying for the World cup final. They went on to defeat Sri-Lanka in the final at Wankhede Stadium. Will there be a similar script this time around and can India keep up the host nation advantage trend in the World Cup? Time will tell.