How Has Australia's Win Become A Blessing In Disguise For Pakistan, New Zealand?

image-lopfjkeuMaxwell stole the show against AFG in Mumbai (AP Photo)

Glenn Maxwell's freak show against Afghanistan guaranteed Australia a semi-final berth in the ongoing ICC Mens Cricket World Cup 2023. After Australia got toppled to 91/7 under 20 overs, Maxwell scripted history with his one-man show innings. Batting with an aching body, the all-rounder slammed a double hundred on 128 deliveries to take his team home.

Meanwhile, Afghanistan faced a heartbreaking defeat despite putting up a brave fight. Being up against a champion team, the Afghanis made a top-notch effort to stay at the top until Maxwell swept them away. Nevertheless, Afghanistan's loss has come as a big blessing in disguise for Pakistan and New Zealand, who are somehow still alive in the semi-final race.

New Zealand, Afghanistan, and Pakistan are at 8 points each, with a final league match to go. As far as NRR is concerned, the Kiwis are leading the pack. Having said that, the winner of their respective final group game match will automatically qualify for the semi-finals, given the rest of the two teams face defeat. If all three team wins or loses, of course, the NRR will come into play. 


Semi-Final Scenario For Pakistan

image-lopfg5uzFakhar's brilliant effort vs NZ have kept PAK in WC (AP Photo)

Pakistan needs to win their final league game against England by a comfortable margin and hope for New Zealand and Afghanistan to lose. Since Afghanistan's NRR has plummeted, their only competition is with the Kiwis. Also, if Kiwis win by one run vs. Sri Lanka, Pakistan can still qualify by defeating England with 130+ runs, given they bat first.


Semi-Final Scenario For New Zealand

image-lopfhb8vNZ can still qualify in the semifinal (AP Photo)

New Zealand's final league game is against a dispirited Sri Lanka. But if they somehow lose and Pakistan and Afghanistan win, the fine margins will come into play. If both Pakistan and Afghanistan win by a margin of less than 130 runs (given they bat first), New Zealand will sail through.

Not to forget, Netherlands is also in play and very much alive in the semi-final race. However, to accomplish the dream, they must win the next couple of games against England and India with a huge margin and simultaneously hope for New Zealand, Pakistan, and Afghanistan to suffer heavy losses.