Pakistan remain in the race after New Zealand’s four-wicket defeat to England kept their hopes alive. Had England lost, Pakistan would have been eliminated. Instead, they now face Sri Lanka in Pallekele with a slim but realistic chance of progressing.
The equation, however, is steep. If Pakistan beat Sri Lanka, both they and New Zealand will finish on three points, leaving net run rate (NRR) to decide the final semi-final spot. New Zealand currently enjoy a strong advantage with +1.390, compared to Pakistan’s -0.461.
To bridge that gap, Pakistan must win big. If they bat first, they need a victory margin of at least 64 runs. If chasing, they must reach the target within 13.1 overs.
Reacting to the scenario on X, Ramiz wrote: “How will Pakistan qualify? Not by winning by 65 runs or reaching the target within 13 overs — only the blessings of Ramadan can take Pakistan to the semi-finals.”
If Pakistan lose, New Zealand will qualify automatically. Even a narrow win may not be enough, making it a must-deliver night for Salman Ali Agha’s side.
