Will India and Pakistan Collide in World Cup Semi-finals?

The possibility of a much-anticipated showdown between India and Pakistan in the semi-finals of the 2023 World Cup is becoming increasingly likely.

The Indian cricket team has dominated the tournament, winning all eight matches they’ve played and amassing a total of 16 points. As no other team can surpass this point tally, India is poised to maintain their top spot. India still has one league match remaining, against the Netherlands, and they are expected to secure their place at the summit.

In the semi-finals, the number 1 ranked team, India, will face off against the fourth-placed team, while the second-ranked team will contend with the third-ranked team. This configuration implies that India’s opponent in the semi-finals will be the team that secures the fourth position.

The crucial question arises: Which team will claim the number-4 position? Currently, New Zealand holds this spot with eight points. Pakistan is in fifth place, also with eight points, but hindered by a lower run rate. Intriguingly, Afghanistan is situated at number 6 with eight points and still has two league matches to play. If Afghanistan wins both matches, Pakistan’s hopes of reaching the semi-finals will be dashed.

On the other hand, if Afghanistan wins one match and loses the other, and New Zealand falters against Sri Lanka in their remaining league match, while Pakistan triumphs over England in their last league match, Pakistan will secure the number-4 position. In such a scenario, a highly-anticipated semi-final clash with India will come to fruition.

The cricketing world eagerly awaits the unfolding drama of the 2023 World Cup, where the age-old rivalry between India and Pakistan may once again set the stage ablaze in the semi-finals, should Pakistan earn a spot in the 2023 Cricket World Cup semi-finals.