World Cup 2023 | How Each Team Can Qualify For Semi-Finals?

image-lofg6rjaPat Cummins' Australia shot back to semi-final reckoning with four successive wins (AP)

The race to secure one of the top four spots on the 2023 World Cup points table is still wide open, considering none of the 10 competing teams have qualified for the knockouts, at least mathematically.

Tournament hosts India, currently placed at the top of the table with an unbeaten run, is likely to become the first side to qualify for the semi-finals, followed by South Africa. Meanwhile, teams with uneven World Cup 2023 campaigns like Pakistan, Sri Lanka and Afghanistan are still within a chance, if certain outcomes and permutations go their way in the remaining fixtures.

As we head towards the backend set of matches of the 2023 World Cup, here at OneCricket, we take a look at how each team can still qualify for the knockout stages.


1. India - 6 wins in 6 matches

After six rounds of World Cup 2023 fixtures, the Indian team finds itself as the only unbeaten side of the competition. Having set one foot in the semi-finals already, Rohit Sharma and co. needs just one more win from their remaining three games to secure a guaranteed qualification.


2. South Africa - 5 wins in 6 matches

South Africa needs to win two of their remaining three matches to secure a guaranteed qualification. However, considering their colossal net run-rate, it is safe to say that a solitary win from here onwards will be more than enough as well.


3. New Zealand - 4 wins in 6 matches

With defeats at the hands of India and Australia in successive games, New Zealand needs to win all their three remaining matches against South Africa, Pakistan and Sri Lanka. The ‘Black Caps’ can also qualify with two wins (or even one for that matter), considering they secure a higher NRR than several other teams in the race.


4. Australia - 4 wins in 6 matches

Australia injected themselves with a massive NRR booster with a 309-run win over Netherlands. They can secure a top four finish by winning just two, or even by winning one of their remaining three matches, considering if they finish with a better NRR than many other semifinal contenders.


5. Pakistan - 3 wins in 7 matches

Pakistan needs to win both their remaining matches with margins big enough to take their NRR above other competitors. However, mere wins will not be enough as they will also be hoping for Australia and New Zealand to lose all their remaining matches.


6. Afghanistan - 3 wins in 6 matches

Much like Pakistan, late-bloomers Afghanistan also need to win their three remaining fixtures and hope for teams like Australia and New Zealand to lose all their remaining matches. Afghanistan can also qualify with two wins, considering those wins occur with convincing margins and their NRR stays ahead of Australia, New Zealand and Pakistan.


7. Sri Lanka - 2 wins in 6 matches

Sri Lanka, ravaged by key injuries, stunned England to revive their 2023 World Cup campaign after early defeats. However, a defeat to Afghanistan dented their newfound hopes as they are now required to win each of their three remaining matches with convincing margins, enough to take their NRR above New Zealand and Australia.


8. Netherlands - 2 wins in 6 matches

Netherlands needs to win their remaining three fixtures and hope for New Zealand and Australia to lose their share of matches. Moreover, Netherlands also need to secure huge NRR boosting wins against Afghanistan, England and India.


9. Bangladesh - 1 win in 7 matches

Having sustained six defeats in a row, Bangladesh cannot qualify for the World Cup 2023 semi-finals.


10. England - 1 win in 6 matches

At best, defending champions England can finish on eight points with wins in each of their remaining three matches. They also need to increase their NRR above that of New Zealand, Australia and a number of other teams that will be tied on eight points. However, such a scenario will only be applicable if New Zealand and Australia lose all their remaining games.