India’s loss to South Africa was the incident when the Pakistani supporters may be for the first time was not with the result, as they wanted India to win, which provide some room for Pakistan to qualify for semis.
And, their hopes to see India on a losing side against Bangladesh was not happen either, as the men in blue make a strong comeback over Tigers and defeated them by 5 runs to top the table again.
With that happened, India is now on top with 6 points and a good run-rate and they have yet to face Zimbabwe. Followed by South Africa with 5 points and even better run-rate than India, and still required to play games.
These scenarios pointed out the above team’s likely possibility to qualify for the semis, but is there any room for Pakistan to still qualify, let’s find out.
Can Pakistan still qualify for semis?
Pakistan have lost 2 games in their 3, their first loss against India in a nail-biting match is quite acceptable, considering the men in blue is the strongest team in the group and the current no.1 team in the world.
But, their lost against Zimbabwe was not at all anticipated, the game which was like a cake walk before the event for the men in green, turned out to be the worst nightmare for them.
Their door almost closed after losing 2 back-to-back defeats, but their hopes then rely on India, as If the Rohit-led side in any case would lose to South Africa, then they might still enter the race, but it won’t happen, on top of that, India outshined Bangladesh that again cut their chances.
Although there is still a little chance for the side.
The Babar Azam-led side still have to play two games, one against the undefeated South Africa and their last match is against Bangladesh.
They have to win their last 2 games at any costs to remain in contention.
But the catch here is, India will lose to Zimbabwe, then they might qualify in place of India. Because the Proteas will play their last game against Netherlands, which is very unlikely that they faced defeat from them.
So, in that case, there hopes for the semis again rely on India, as even after losing 2 games, and India after winning 3 games, there net run-rate is still better than India, and if India loses and Pakistan wins their final two, they will qualify.
Next fixtures and probabilities for Pakistan:
South Africa Vs Pakistan on November 4 – Pakistan wins (4 points for Pak, 5 for SA)
South Africa Vs Netherlands on November 6 – Netherlands wins (5 points for SA, 4 for Ned)
Pakistan Vs Bangladesh on November 6 – Pakistan wins (6 points for PAK, 4 for BAN)
India Vs Zimbabwe – India loses (6 points for Ind, 5 for Zim)