In a pivotal ODI World Cup 2023 match, New Zealand will play Sri Lanka on Thursday, November 9, in Bengaluru. Teams like Australia, South Africa, and India have already guaranteed their places in the major event’s semifinals. New Zealand may go extremely close to securing the final semi-final spot if they win on Thursday.
Currently, the Kane Williamson-captained team has eight points after as many games. They started out the season with four wins before going on a four-game losing streak. At present, they hold the fourth position in the points standings, with a net run-rate (NRR) of +0.398. After eight games each, Pakistan and Afghanistan have eight points as well. The ‘Blue Tigers’ have an NRR of -0.338, whilst the ‘Men in Green’ have an NRR of +0.036. There is one game left between the three competitors for the one semi-final spot that is still available.
If New Zealand wins in Bengaluru against Sri Lanka, they can increase their lead over Pakistan and Afghanistan. On Thursday, though, there’s a danger that the rain will play spoiler in India’s Garden City. It is significant to remember that no game in the league stage of the 2023 ODI World Cup will have a reserve day. Sri Lanka and New Zealand will each receive one point if there is a washout due to continuous rain. With nine points, the Blackcaps will conclude the league stage. Pakistan and Afghanistan would now have an opportunity to defeat them on points if they win their respective last league games.
The New Zealand-Sri Lanka match cancellation could help Pakistan advance to the 2023 ODI World Cup semifinals.
With a far higher NRR than the Afghans, Babar Azam and company should have a strong chance to earn the final semi-final position if New Zealand’s match against Sri Lanka is postponed. The former champions may be able to advance to the semifinals with a victory over England on Saturday, November 11 in Kolkata. Afghanistan’s last league match takes place in Ahmedabad on Friday, November 10, against South Africa.
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