New Zealand on Thursday registered an impressive victory in their match against Sri Lanka. This victory has further complicated the potential scenario for Pakistan and Afghanistan to reach the semi-final.
Batting first, Sri Lanka could only manage 171 all out in 46.4 overs. In reply, New Zealand achieved the target in 23.2 overs by losing five wickets.
Trent Boult was named Player Of The Match for his impressive bowling figure of 3-37 in 10 overs.
After today’s win, New Zealand continue to be placed fourth in the points table with 10 points. Pakistan are currently placed fifth in the points table with eight points, but the Babar Azam-led side has one more match to play.
If Pakistan win their last remaining match against England, they too would have 10 points. India, Australia and South Africa have already secured their semi-final spots. If New Zealand and Pakistan both end up with the same points, the team with a better net run rate will become the fourth team to qualify for the knock-out stage in the competition.
New Zealand’s net run rate after their win against Sri Lanka is 0.743, while Pakistan’s net run rate is just 0.036. Pakistan will have beat England by around 275 runs or a chase of 18 balls or less to take their net run rate above New Zealand. This looks highly unlikely in light of the team’s current performance in the World Cup.
Afghanistan, who have surprised everyone with their performance in this edition of the World Cup, too have eight points from eight matches. They too can get 10 points if they are able to beat South Africa in their next match. However, experts say that Afghanistan will need to defeat South Africa by at least 440 runs to climb above New Zealand and secure a semi-final spot.