World Cup 2023 Semi-finals Qualification Scenarios For All 10 Teams

The race for the knockout stages is heating up, with all the teams giving up everything to stay in the competition. The ten-team tournament already leaves little room for error, and when the teams are as competitive as in the World Cup 2023, a minor hiccup can be costly. We are midway through the tournament, and the picture is more or less getting clearer.

While a few teams have been consistent like ever, a few have performed well below the expectations. With plenty of action still left, the entertainment is guaranteed. In this section, we look at the scenarios for qualification for each team.

India

Matches Remaining: Netherlands.

Current Points: 16

Position in points table: 1st

India defeated South Africa by a massive 243 runs in Kolkata to register their eighth consecutive victory of the tournament. This win has also ensured India will remain at the top even if they lose their next game against the Netherlands. India also have the best net run rate (+2.456) among all the teams now.

They will now look to win their last game against the Netherlands and continue their winning streak. India have a realistic chance of remaining unbeaten in the league phase. They will face the Netherlands on Sunday (November 12).

South Africa

Matches Remaining: None.

Current Points: 14

Position in points table: 2nd

South Africa registered their seventh win of the World Cup 2023 against Afghanistan, ending the league stage phase on a high. They are a serious contender to end in the second position in the points table. They will play Australia in the second semifinal at the iconic Eden Gardens in Kolkata.

The Proteas don’t have any more games left in the league phase now. They will hope Australia lose their last game against Bangladesh. Even if Australia win, South Africa can end in the second position, given the Aussies don’t win with a handsome margin.

Also Read: WATCH: Virat Kohli - Suryakumar Yadav involved in runout mishap

Australia

Matches Remaining: Bangladesh.

Current Points: 12

Position in points table: 3rd

Australia registered their sixth consecutive win of the season against Afghanistan. With this win, they confirmed their spot in the semifinal and became the third team to do so. They now have six wins in eight games and 12 points in the bank.

They will face Bangladesh in their last game and will look to win the game and try to finish in the top two. However, they are now through the knockout stages despite losing their first two matches. They look like a formidable unit now and will pose a serious threat to other teams in the knockout phase.

New Zealand

Matches Remaining: None.

Current Points: 10

Position in points table: 4th

New Zealand finally registered a comprehensive victory against Sri Lanka and almost sealed a spot in the semifinal. While, mathematically, Afghanistan and Pakistan are still in the competition, they would need a miracle to get through now. As it stands, New Zealand are likely to end in the fourth position and play the first semifinal against India in Mumbai.

Afghanistan have a negative run rate (-0.338), and they don’t stand a chance at all. Meanwhile, Pakistan would need to win by at least 287 runs if they bat first or need to chase down the total in 16 balls if they chase in their last game against England. All in all, New Zealand have confirmed their ticket for the knockout phase, and the formalities will be completed once Pakistan end up playing against England in Kolkata.

Pakistan

Matches Remaining: England.

Current Points: 8

Position in points table: 5th

Pakistan lost the toss against England and were forced to bowl first. Then England belted 337 runs, meaning Pakistan had to chase down the total within 40 balls. But that’s impossible.

Pakistan are officially out of the semifinal now, and New Zealand will end at No. 4 in the points table. The Men in Green are likely to finish in the fifth position, narrowly missing out on a semifinal spot just like in 2019. They had their moments, but Pakistan could have definitely done better in more phases of the tournament.

Afghanistan

Matches Remaining: None.

Current Points: 8

Position in points table: 6th

Afghanistan have sustained their fifth defeat of the season against South Africa and are officially eliminated from the tournament. They played some good cricket and confirmed their spot in the Champions Trophy 2025. Afghanistan should be proud of their achievements in the tournament.

They won only four games, but they played quality cricket. Afghanistan are likely to end in the sixth position by the end of the league stage phase. There are plenty of positives for them.

England

Matches Remaining: Pakistan.

Current Points: 4

Position in points table: 7th

England finally ended their losing run after five games and registered their second win of the tournament against the Netherlands. They have given themselves a real chance of qualifying for the Champions Trophy 2025. England now have four points after eight games.

They still have a match to go and would require another win to inch closer to the qualification for the Champions Trophy. The defending champions will face Pakistan in the remaining game. If they lose their last game, England might lose out on a spot in that eight-team tournament.

Bangladesh

Matches Remaining: Australia.

Current Points: 4

Position in points table: 8th

Bangladesh finally broke their losing streak after six games and registered their second victory of the season against Sri Lanka. While they are officially eliminated, Bangladesh have given themselves a real chance of confirming their trip to the Champions Trophy 2025. They now have two wins in eight matches.

Bangladesh also boosted their net run rate after chasing down the target in less than 42 overs. However, they will still require a victory to confirm their spot in the Champions Trophy. But even then, Bangladesh would hope Sri Lanka, the Netherlands and England lose at least one more game.

Sri Lanka

Matches Remaining: None.

Current Points: 4

Position in points table: 9th

Sri Lanka slipped to their seventh defeat of the season against New Zealand and ended their campaign with just two wins. This win has also almost ended their chances of qualifying for the Champions Trophy 2025. Sri Lanka would be disappointed to lose as many games.

For them to qualify for the Champions Trophy, Sri Lanka would need Bangladesh to lose their last game against Australia by a good margin. Bangladesh (-1.142) have a better net run rate than Sri Lanka (-1.419). Then, Sri Lanka would also need the Netherlands to lose their last game against India.

Netherlands

Matches Remaining: India.

Current Points: 4

Position in points table: 10th

The Netherlands suffered their sixth defeat of the season, and this defeat ended their chances of qualification. They are officially eliminated from the tournament and will play to qualify for the Champions Trophy 2025 now. The Men in Orange will need to win their final game to stand a chance.

The Netherlands will face India in their final game in Bengaluru. India are a strong team, and the Netherlands will find it hard to get through. If they don’t win the game, the Netherlands might not qualify for the Champions Trophy 2025.

Points Table (As of 11th November)

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