World Cup 2023 | How Can Pakistan Still Qualify For The Semi-Finals?

image-lo3ygn6gA disappointed Babar Azam after the loss [AP Photo]

Pakistan's gutwrenching loss to Afghanistan in a historic upset at the ICC World Cup 2023 on Monday (October 23) has tilted the scales significantly against the Asian Giants in their quest to secure one of the four semifinal spots. Babar Azam and company suffered an embarrassing eight-wicket defeat despite entering the critical fixture in Chennai as firm favourites. 

Not only did Pakistan enjoy an unbeaten 7-0 streak in One-Day Internationals against the spirited Afghans but were also facing an opposition notorious for its last-minute capitulations and infamous failures to cross the last hurdle. 

Even when openers Rahmatullah Gurbaz and Ibrahim Zadran produced a valiant 130-run opening stand and the unbeaten duo of Rahmat Shah and skipper Hashmatullah Shahidi rallied towards the 283-run target, the tension kept brewing amongst Afghanistan's passionate fans as they feared a dreadful collapse at any moment. 

But the calmness and maturity with which Shah and Shahidi batted for their memorable third-wicket partnership meant the collapse never came and Afghanistan roared their way to the winning post, leaving Pakistan in heavy pain and at the brink of an early exit from the tournament. 

How Pakistan Can Still Make It Through 

The road ahead for Pakistan could entail a bumpy ride after Babar's men were hammered by the Afghans in not just an incredible upset but also their third consecutive defeat of the tournament. 

The 1992 champions began with gusto after easing past the Netherlands and Sri Lanka in their first two matches. However, string of painstaking defeats to India, Australia and now Afghanistan have exposed their depth and left them on the verge of elimination. 

In a gruelling ten-way race to bag the four semifinal spots, Pakistan could ill-afford another hiccup and must win their remaining four matches of the league stage. The Asian giants' 2-3 win/loss record after five matches means another defeat will be a fatal blow to their chances. 

Not only do they have to win their next four matches versus South Africa (October 27), Bangladesh (October 31), New Zealand (November 4) and England (November 11) but do so with a significant NRR boost while hoping against hope that other results in the World Cup align with their ambitions.