What England’s Win Over NZ Means to Pakistan’s Semifinal Hopes
New Zealand and Pakistan are the only two teams still in the race to make the Cricket World Cup playoffs.
England qualified for the Cricket World Cup semifinals with a 119-run win over New Zealand, making it nearly impossible for Pakistan to make the playoffs.
Jonny Bairstow's second straight century helped England to 305-8 off its 50 overs and the Black Caps never looked like chasing down the target after the run-outs of Kane Williamson and Ross Taylor in successive overs left them 69-4.
New Zealand was eventually dismissed for 186 and leapfrogged in the standings by England, who will end the group stage in third place with 12 points from 9 games.
ICC World Cup Points Table
New Zealand & Pakistan Only Two Teams in Race for Playoffs
Fourth-place New Zealand, who played their last league game against England on Wednesday, are currently two points ahead of fifth-place Pakistan.
If Sarfaraz Ahmed-led Pakistan win their final group game against Bangladesh on Friday, 5 July, they will be tied on points (11) with New Zealand. However it will be nearly impossible for Pakistan to be able to win with such a margin so as to be able to cover up the difference in net run rate with the Kiwis.
New Zealand finish the group stage with a NRR of +0.175 while Pakistan’s currently reads -0.792, with one game remaining.
What Pakistan Need to Reach Semis
If Pakistan are batting first at Lord’s , they need to win by a margin of at least 308 runs to trump New Zealand on NRR. Hence, Pakistan have no chance of qualifying if they post a total less than 308.
Alternatively, Pakistan score 400, they need to dismiss Bangladesh for 84 and win by 316 runs. Or if they post 350, they need to dismiss their opponents for 38 and win by 312 runs.
What’s more is that if Pakistan lose the toss, and are put in to bowl first, their chances of making playoffs will end there and then. Because there’s no way Sarfaraz and co can enter the semis batting second against Bangladesh on Friday.
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