Know the qualification scenario of each team to achieve a semi-final position in ODI World Cup 2023!

PC: dnaindia

Pakistan's seven-wicket win in the ICC World Cup on Tuesday kept alive its hopes of reaching the semi-finals. Unfortunately, this result also marked the end of Bangladesh's journey in the tournament, making them the first team to be eliminated.

This thrilling match was the 31st match of the round-robin stage, leaving us with only 14 matches before the four semi-finalists were determined for the knockout stage. The competition has heated up as Pakistan's win coupled with New Zealand's two consecutive defeats and Australia's impressive comeback have intensified the battle for the top position in the points table.

As we approach the deciding stage of the tournament, there is every possibility that India and South Africa will seal their places in the semi-finals. However, the remaining teams are still fighting fiercely for the chance to advance.

Now, let's take a closer look at the current standings in the race to the semi-finals, listed in order of their position in the points table:

India, position: number 1

Points: 12

Matches left: vs Sri Lanka, South Africa and Netherlands

Achieving seven wins in the round-robin games guarantees a place in the semi-finals, leaving hosts India just one win away from sealing their place in the semi-finals.

South Africa, position: No. 2

Points: 10

Matches left: New Zealand, India and Afghanistan

The Proteas need two additional wins to ease their concerns, yet they will face strong opponents in the upcoming matches against New Zealand and India. However, even though they lost those two games by narrow margins and won against Afghanistan, their chances of reaching the semi-finals remain high due to their commendable net run rate.

New Zealand, position: number 3

Points: 8

Matches left: vs South Africa, Pakistan, Sri Lanka

The New Zealand team is currently two wins away from securing a place in the semi-finals. However, their path to victory is not devoid of hurdles, as they will face three formidable opponents in their upcoming matches. If they suffer significant defeats in one or two of their next three matches, their chances of progressing could be uncertain.

Australia, position: number 4

Points: 8

Matches left: vs England, Afghanistan, Bangladesh

The Australians, who have won the ODI World Cup trophy five times, seem to have peaked at the right time after a poor start, losing their first two matches. They are now looking for at least two more wins, but based on their current form, they appear to be favorites for the semi-finals. Their upcoming matches are against struggling England, Afghanistan, and defeated Bangladesh.

Pakistan, position: number 5

Points: 6

Matches left: vs New Zealand and England

Pakistan has managed to save their hopes by winning against Bangladesh by an impressive margin of seven wickets. This win has not only increased their net run rate but also taken them to fifth place in the points table.

Yet, Pakistan's destiny is no longer in their hands alone. Their future now depends on the results of other matches, apart from the mandatory need to win their last two matches. Should they achieve this feat, and if New Zealand and Afghanistan falter in their remaining matches, the prospect of Babar Azam and Co. progressing to the next stage becomes an attractive prospect.

Afghanistan, position: number 6

Points: 6

Matches left: vs Netherlands, Australia and South Africa

Afghanistan has emerged as one of the most interesting teams to watch at this World Cup, especially due to their remarkable wins over three former champions: England, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka. These wins have allowed them to remain in contention for a spot in the semi-finals. To reach the coveted six-win mark, they will have to defeat their remaining three opponents and hope England prevail over Australia.

Sri Lanka, position: number 7

Points: 4

Matches left: vs India, Bangladesh and New Zealand

With only two wins from six matches, Sri Lanka is almost out of the race for the semi-finals, although they still have a mathematical chance of staying in. Their primary objective now will be to win their remaining three matches and hope to knock out Australia or New Zealand.

Netherlands, position: number 8

Points: 4

Matches left: vs Afghanistan, England, India

The men in Orange have captured the hearts of cricket fans throughout this tournament and reached their moment of glory with a remarkable win against the South Africans. Currently, their chances of moving up in the rankings hinge on the Australians and New Zealanders losing all their matches, while they must win over their next three opponents, including India.

Bangladesh (Eliminated), Position: No. 9

Points: 2

England, position: No. 10

Points: 2

Matches left: vs Australia, Netherlands and Pakistan

England's chances of sealing a place in the semi-finals now depend largely on a miraculous turn of events. They need to make it three wins in a row, significantly increase their net run rate, and pray for favorable results in the other matches that could potentially reverse the current situation.