Published - | Updated - November 9, 2023 01:15 pm
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New Zealand take on Sri Lanka in Bengaluru on Thursday, November 9 in a crucial ODI World Cup 2023 match. Teams like India, South Africa and Australia have already confirmed their places in the semi-finals of the event this time. New Zealand’s victory on Thursday could see them fully realize the remaining semi-final spot
The Kane Williamson-led team currently has eight points from as many matches. They won their first four games before embarking on a four-game losing streak. They are currently placed at number 4 in the points table with a net run-rate (NRR) of +0.398. Pakistan and Afghanistan also have eight points each from eight matches. While the NRR of ‘Men in Green’ is +0.036, the NRR of ‘Blue Tigers’ is -0.338. The three contenders for the remaining semi-final spot still have a game left.
With a win against Sri Lanka in Bengaluru, New Zealand can widen the gap between rising ranks Pakistan and Afghanistan in the points table. However, rain may cause disruption in India’s Garden City on Thursday. It is important to note that there are no reserve days allotted for any game in the league stage of the ODI World Cup 2023. If there is rain due to persistent weather, New Zealand and Sri Lanka will get one point each. The Blackcaps will finish the league stage with nine points. This makes it possible for Pakistan and Afghanistan to overtake them in terms of points with wins in their respective last league matches.
New Zealand – Sri Lanka tie washout could help Pakistan make the semi-finals of ODI World Cup 2023
If New Zealand’s game against Sri Lanka gets cancelled, Babar Azam and Co. will have a great chance to secure the remaining semi-final spot as they have a much better NRR than the Afghans. For the former champions, a win against England in Kolkata on Saturday, November 11 could be enough to reach the semi-finals. Afghanistan will play their final league match against South Africa on Friday, November 10, in Ahmedabad.