ICC World Cup 2023: What Could New Zealand Win Mean To Afghanistan & Pakistan Semi-Final Hopes?

The race for the final ICC World Cup 2023 Semi-Final spot will be in focus on Thursday (November 9) when New Zealand take on Sri Lanka at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru.

India, South Africa and Australia have booked their spots in the knock out stage of the ongoing tournament, while three other teams, including New Zealand are battling for the final spot.

New Zealand currently sit in the critical fourth place ahead of Pakistan and Afghanistan thanks to their superior net run rate (NRR). The Blackcaps can strengthen their chances of a top four finish with a massive win over Sri Lanka.

The Kiwis, however, can't afford another defeat or sharing of a point with rain expected to play spoilsport in their game against Sri Lanka in Bengaluru. But what will a New Zealand win mean for Pakistan and Afghanistan, who are also on eight points each with a game to play?

ICC World Cup 2023 Semi-Final Qualification Scenario For NZ, PAK & AFG

New Zealand's Semi-final Chances: Just a win doesn't guarantee New Zealand the fourth spot as Kane Williamson's side will need to register a victory over Sri Lanka to get to 10 points, and also finish with a better net run rate than Pakistan and Afghanistan, who can also finish on 10 points.

A defeat also doesn't mean it's the end of road for the Blackcaps, who can still finish in the fourth spot, if Pakistan and Afghanistan both lose their remaining matches. The Net Run Rate will be key if all three teams end on the same points.

Pakistan's Semi-final Chances: Babar Azam's side will need to win their remaining match and will need to do it in quick-time to better New Zealand's net run rate should the Kiwis also win their match.

But if the Blackcaps lose their match, Pakistan will be in great position to finish in the top four with a win against England thanks to their better net run rate compared to Afghanistan, who have the poorest NRR among the three teams.

Afghanistan's Semi-Final Chances: Like Paksitan, Hashmatullah Shahidi's Afghanistan will also need to win handsomely to keep any hopes of qualification alive. However, a victory for New Zealand will dent Afghanistan's chances of finishing the top four due to their inferior NRR.

However, a defeat to New Zealand will give them a big chance should they beat South Africa in their remaining match. But for a semifinal spot, they will also want Pakistan to lose the match.

Both Pakistan and Afghanistan can finish above New Zealand with wins if Williamson's side are forced to share a point due to rain in Bengaluru or they lose their match against Sri Lanka.