What Pakistan need to reach World Cup semis. Here are the scenarios

Muscat: Pakistan face an improbable task to reach the ICC Men’s World Cup semi-finals following New Zealand’s dominant five-wicket win – with 160 balls to spare – against Sri Lanka in Bengaluru on Thursday. 

The result took the Kiwis to ten points, and a net run rate (NRR) of 0.743, leaving Pakistan needing to beat England by 287 runs, while Afghanistan need an even more fantastical 438-run win over South Africa, if they are to surpass New Zealand’s NRR.

If Pakistan were to chase, they would have no chance of qualifying.

Ahead of the game against Sri Lanka, New Zealand on Thursday, Pakistan and Afghanistan had eight points each. 

New Zealand victory took them to 10 points and if Pakistan hopes to make it to the fourth spot in the table, currently occupied by the Kiwis, it has to better the NRR.

Here are the possible scenarios of Pakistan making it to the semi-finals that would set up an India-Pakistan blockbuster at Eden Gardens, Kolkata on November 16, Thursday. 

As of now, India will meet New Zealand in the semis at Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai on November 15, Wednesday. 

The scenarios–

India, South Africa and Australia have already sealed their spots in the final four and New Zealand now have one foot into the knockout stage after their robust victory over Sri Lanka.

Currently placed fifth in the standings with eight points from as many matches, Pakistan, who will take on England in Kolkata on Saturday, will have to win by 287 runs if they bat first. 

If they chase, Pakistan will have to win with 284 balls – more than 47 overs – to spare.

Other equations for Pakistan if they bat first: 

Score 300, restrict England to 13. 

Score 400, restrict England to 112. 

Score 450, restrict England to 162. 

Score 500, restrict England at 211.