World Cup 2019 semifinals qualification scenario: Pakistan needs 'mathemagic' to qualify for semis

New Zealand's 119-run drubbing against England in World Cup 2019 means the host is through to the semis while Pakistan's hopes of a last-four finish are all but over.

Published : Jul 03, 2019 19:55 IST

Wahaz Riaz played a crucial knock and helped Pakistan beat Afghanistan.

New Zealand's 119-run drubbing against England in World Cup 2019 means the host is through to the semis while Pakistan's hopes of a last-four finish are all but over.

Even if Pakistan beats Bangladesh in its last league game by the same margin, it will be New Zealand that goes through the semifinal on account of its higher Net Run Rate.

 

Chasing a competitive 306, New Zealand was bundled out for 186 with Mark Wood snapping up three wickets.

All is not yet lost for Pakistan. It needs to bat first, score 400 and restrict Bangladesh to 84. Batting second, they don't stand a chance.

 

India's win against Bangladesh at Edgbaston had kept Pakistan's hopes alive. Kohli and Co. have a chance of reaching the top of the points table should they beat Sri Lanka and South Africa trump Australia.