India have already qualified for the 2023 Cricket World Cup semi-finals after a perfect run in the tournament. Meanwhile, Pakistan have had a rollercoaster ride in the tournament, winning 4 out of 8 games and losing 4 out of 8. India’s last game against the Netherlands should be a cakewalk, while Pakistan’s match against England will decide their fate in the tournament. The two traditional rivals could not be farther apart, but there’s still a good chance that they could face off in the semi-finals.
Regardless of what happens against the Netherlands, India are guaranteed to stay at the top of the table with 16 points after 8 games. South Africa are in second place with 14 points.
Pakistan’s chances of moving up to 4th position in the Points Table:
Pakistan, meanwhile, must win their last game and rely on Afghanistan, hoping to get a good result from the game against New Zealand to qualify for the semi-finals. Pakistan and New Zealand each have one match remaining in the tournament, while Afghanistan will face South Africa in its last game in the tournament. Pakistan have already lost to Australia, and if Afghanistan also loses to South Africa, then the race will be between them and New Zealand, provided they both win their matches. If Afghanistan defeats South Africa, then all three teams would have 10 points, provided Pakistan and NZ also win their matches, and then the race for 4th spot would be determined by NRR.
If Pakistan wins their game and New Zealand or Afghanistan lose their last group-stage games, Pakistan will finish 4th and will have to face India in the semis. According to the rules, the 1st and 4th-place teams will face each other in the semi. So, India vs Pakistan will definitely be a match to watch out for at the World Cup in 2023.