Here’s how Pakistan can qualify for the semifinals

With a six-wicket victory over New Zealand at Edgbaston on Wednesday, Pakistan have inched another step closer to a place in the semi-final.

However, before we start planning our victory parade, here’s a brief look at the scenarios.
Photo: ICC Cricket World Cup
Scenario one

Pakistan now has two games remaining, one against Afghanistan and other against Bangladesh. To ensure a place in the final four, Pakistan needs to defeat both the teams.

However, not only does Pakistan need to win both of its remaining matches, World Cup hosts England who currently sit on the fourth spot, need to lose one of its remaining two matches against India and New Zealand.

Sri Lanka also needs to lose one of its three remaining matches against South Africa, West Indies and India.

If that happens, Pakistan will qualify for the semis with 11 points.
Scenario two

The second scenario is a bit tricky and interesting. If Pakistan loses either one of its remaining against Afghanistan or Bangladesh, the green shirts will still have a chance to qualify for the semis.

However, for this to happen England has to lose both of its remaining matches against India and New Zealand.

Sri Lanka also needs to lose two of its three matches against South Africa, West Indies and India.
The Bangladesh threat

Because Pakistan and Bangladesh share seven points on the table, with Bangladesh above Pakistan because of a superior Net Run Rate (NRR). Both Pakistan and Bangladesh have two games remaining, with Bangladesh’s next two games against Pakistan and India.

In the case of England’s defeat in its next two matches, Bangladesh will qualify for semis if it wins its remaining two matches.
The Sri Lanka and England threat

Sri Lanka is also still in the contention for a place in the semis.

The Islanders have three games remaining to play against South Africa, West Indies and India. If Sri Lanka wins all of its remaining three games, they will have 12 points and go a point above Pakistan and Bangladesh (it should be kept in mind Pakistan in this situation has won its remaining two games against Afghanistan and Bangladesh).

In this case, if England wins its remaining two matches against India and New Zealand, the team with the better NRR will qualify for the semis.