Pakistan can be out of the semifinal contention even before the start of play against Bangladesh.
Pakistan are all but out of the contention for a semifinal spot in the ongoing ICC Cricket World Cup 2019 after New Zealand have lost to England in their last group match at Chester-le-Street on Wednesday.
England beat New Zealand by 119 runs to secure their place in the semifinals. Jonny Bairstow's second consecutive century powered the England to 305-8 after electing to bat at the Riverside Ground. Bairstow smashed 106 off 99 balls and stitched together a 123-run opening stand with Jason Roy (60) before a middle order collapse opened the door for their opponents.
New Zealand lost their openers cheaply before two run-outs effectively derailed their chase as they were all out for 186 in 45 overs with only Tom Latham (57) offering some resistance with the bat.
This win not only secured the semifinal spot for England, but also effectively ended Pakistan's hopes of making it to the final four. New Zealand, currently at No.4 in the table, have not qualified for the semis yet but given their superior run rate, Pakistan would need a freak result against Bangladesh leapfrog the Blackcaps. Australia and India had earlier qualified for the last four.
While it is mathematically possible for Pakistan to still make it to the semifinals, it seems practically impossible. For Pakistan to reach the semifinals, they will have to beat Bangladesh in their final match by a huge margin. Here are the possible scenarios for Pakistan:
1. When Pakistan bat first
)
- Pakistan must bat first and score at least 308 runs and then get Bangladesh all out for 0.
- If they score 350 runs then they must win by 312 runs i.e. restrict Bangladesh to 38.
- If they score 400 runs while batting first then they must dismiss Bangladesh for 84 and win by 316 runs.
2. If Pakistan bat second
)
Pakistan can be knocked out of the semifinal contention even before the start of play. If Pakistan bat second then they would not qualify even if they win off the first ball of their innings.
3. India vs England in semifinal!
)
If all results go as expected, it will be India vs England and Australia vs New Zealand in the semifinals. England and New Zealand are certain to finish third and fourth in the table. India can top the table if they beat Sri Lanka and then Australia lose to South Africa in their final group stage matches respectively. In that case, India will face New Zealand and Australia take on England in the semifinals.
