Srinagar: Pakistan have been almost knocked out of the ICC Cricket World Cup 2023 after New Zealand registered massive vs Sri Lanka in Bengaluru on Thursday that made way into semfinal almost impossible for Babar Azam & Co.
Leading New Zealand to a comfortable win over the 1996 champions, speedster Trent Boult showcased a bowling masterclass as Sri Lanka were bowled out for only 171 in the crucial World Cup encounter.
New Zealand chased down the target in 28.5 overs to upstage an already eliminated Sri Lanka at the World Cup.
Kiwi openers Devon Conway (45) and Rachin Ravindra (42) added 86 runs for the first wicket before Daryl Mitchell’s quick-fire knock powered New Zealand to a six-wicket win over the Sri Lanka.
With the much-needed win in its final league match of the World Cup, New Zealand have retained the fourth spot on the points table. The 2019 and 2015 runners-up are two points ahead of the fifth-placed Pakistan side, who still have a game in hand.
A win by a narrow margin would have been enough for Pakistan to qualify if Sri Lanka had beaten New Zealand.
Since New Zealand have ended its final league game inside the 30 overs, Pakistan will now need to beat England by a handsome margin.
If Pakistan bat first and end up scoring 300, Babar and Co. will have to restrict England to 13. If Pakistan opt to bowl first and England surrenders for 100, the 1992 world champions will need to chase down the target in 2.5 overs.
Pakistan need to beat England by around 287 runs in order to move above Kiwis or Chase the total against England in 2.3 overs (with around 284 balls to spare).