2023 ODI World Cup updated points table: Pakistan remain alive in race for semi-finals after thumping victory against Bangladesh | Cricket News
Pakistan are still alive in the race for the semi-finals in 2023 ODI World Cup. (Photo: AP)
New Delhi: Pakistan thrashed Bangladesh by seven wickets at the Eden Gardens in Kolkata on Tuesday, October 31 to bring an end to their unbeaten streak in the 2023 ODI World Cup and remain alive in the race for the semi-finals. Pakistan also knocked Bangladesh out of the tournament, making them the first team to get eliminated from the showpiece event.
It was a clinical performance from Pakistan as they dominated the proceedings with the bat and the ball against Bangladesh. Shaheen Shah Afridi and Mohammad Wasim Jr combined to run riot with the ball after Bangladesh opted to bat first as the duo helped Pakistan skittle the Tigers out for a paltry total of 204 runs. In reply, Pakistan openers Fakhar Zaman and Abdullah Shafique slammed half-centuries to power their team to a thumping victory.
Fakhar and Shafique went all guns blazing with the bat as they made light work of the 205-run target with their brilliant knocks. Fakhar top-scored with a cracking 81 off 74 deliveries on his return to the playing XI as he took the Bangladesh bowlers to the cleaners, smashing a stunning seven sixes during his knock. Shafique played perfect support with his 68 off 69 balls laced with nine fours and two sixes.
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The duo set the stage with the 128-run stand for the first wicket as Pakistan won the game convincingly to go to the fifth spot in the 2023 ODI World Cup points table. Pakistan have six points from seven matches and a net run rate of -0.024. However, Afghanistan, who are right behind them at the sixth spot, have a similar number of points and have played a game less than Pakistan. Nonetheless, both are very much in the race for the semi-finals.
Check out the updated 2023 ODI World Cup points table
ICC 2023 ODI World Cup points table. (Photo: ICC)
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Pakistan’s future depends on other teams
Pakistan’s chances of qualifying for the semi-finals in the 2023 ODI World Cup are slim after Babar Azam & Co. lost four matches in a row. However, they are still mathematically in the race with an outside chance. Nonetheless, their future will depend on the results of the other teams. Pakistan can only finish with a maximum of 10 points even if they win their remaining two matches.
They would want the likes of New Zealand and Afghanistan to slip up in their remaining matches in order to stand a chance of reaching the semi-finals.
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