Pakistan were at the receiving end of an upset when they last met an underdog opponent. Afghanistan left no stones unturned as they served the Men in Green their third consecutive loss after losing to India and Australia in a rather mortifying manner. The Pakistan cricket team has been resting at the 5th spot on the points table with three losses and a meagre two win record in the World Cup.
With South Africa winning their 5th game of the tournament. Pakistan’s only hope is for Australia to lose some of their upcoming fixtures. But all hope is not lost for Pakistan as no team has been ruled out of semi-final contention yet.
The most interesting of teams include England, the defending champions, who have had a poor run in the tournament, leaving the door to the semis somewhat ajar. England joins Bangladesh, Netherlands and Sri Lanka at the bottom of the points table.
The Indian team has already placed itself in a whole different league. Undefeated, India is at the top of the points table with 10 points. But the only department where India is behind is the NRR, South Africa with their batting prowess has an NRR of +2.370. Afghanistan after causing two significant upsets have also placed a stopper in the said semifinal doorway.
PAKISTAN’S UPCOMING FIXTURES
October 27: vs SA, Chennai.
October 31: vs BAN, Kolkata
November 4: vs NZ, Bengaluru
November 11: vs ENG, Kolkata
HOW CAN PAKISTAN MAKE IT TO THE SEMIS?
For Pakistan to make it to the Semi-Finals not only will the fans be hoping for Australia to lose one of their remaining fixtures. The Men in Green will also have to make sure that they do not slip up and lose a single match going forward. If Australia does go on to lose one of their fixtures and Pakistan wins all of theirs, the two would compete with net run rate. Pakistan’s only hope? Winning ALL their matches, with BIG margins.
Analysing Pakistan’s upcoming fixture, the team has an uphill task. Their next fixture is against South Africa, a team that has been merciless in their pursuit of glory. Pakistan will also lock horns with New Zealand, another team that has been relentless.
Now that South Africa has won 4 out of 5 matches, Pakistan can get up to a maximum of 12 points. And the two teams will run into each other on the 27th of October at Chennai.
Pakistan fans should have their eyes on Australia, since the two teams are now in a virtual battle for the semi-final berth. Assuming the Aussies beat the Dutch, Pakistan MUST win two more matches than Australia.
AUSTRALIA’S UPCOMING FIXTURES
28 October: vs NZ, Dharamshala
4 November: vs ENG, Ahmedabad
7 November: vs AFG, Mumbai
11 November: vs BAN, Pune
Looking at Australia’s upcoming fixtures, Pakistan will hope that Australia loses to New Zealand and England. If that wish comes true, and Pakistan ends up victorious in all their upcoming matches, fans may just be lucky enough to witness a high octane, mother of all rivalries clash between India and Pakistan.