London: England’s victory over New Zealand has virtually extinguished all hopes that Pakistan had of qualifying for the semifinal of the ongoing World Cup. The odds are heavily loaded against the Sarfaraz Ahmed and just a victory against Bangladesh will not help the team’s cause.
In the ICC World Cup points table the four top teams currently are Australia (14 points), India (13 points), England (12 points) and New Zealand (11 points). Pakistan are placed fifth with nine points. They were hoping for New Zealand to defeat England but as that has not happened, Pakistan’s chances of a last four berth have all but vanished into thin air.
Even if Pakistan beat Bangladesh and catch up with New Zealand on 11 points (provided the Kiwis lose their last game too), they have an insurmountable mountain to climb. New Zealand’s current run rate is +0.572 while Pakistan’s is -0.792 which will be enough to see the Kiwis through.
Pakistan does not only need to win, but they have to win by a minimum margin of over 312 runs to get past the Kiwi run rate. Not only that, they have to bat first. If somehow Bangladesh get the first chance to bat, it will mean automatic elimination for Pakistan from the competition. Now toss is a factor which nobody can predict. So Pakistan will first need to win the toss, bat first and then post such a total that will give them an opportunity of winning by a over 300-run margin.
Here’s what Pakistan need if they bat first
Score 308 and dismiss Bangladesh for without any run on board
Score 350 and win by a margin of 312 runs
Score 400 and win by a margin of 316 runs.
Agencies