Cricket World Cup 2023: How India and Pakistan can clash in the semi final

In the ongoing ICC ODI World Cup, India has secured the top position with an impressive 243-run victory over South Africa at Eden Gardens. This win marks India's eighth consecutive success in the tournament, underlining their exceptional performance.

South Africa has already secured a spot in the semi-finals with 12 points from 8 games, while Australia, with 10 points from 7 games, is set for a top-three finish. However, Australia has two matches left in the league stage, facing Afghanistan and Bangladesh. A victory in either will secure their position.

The fourth semi-final spot is being fiercely contested by New Zealand, Pakistan, and Afghanistan, with Sri Lanka and the Netherlands having an outside chance.

The team securing the fourth spot will face India in the semi-finals, setting up a potential India vs. Pakistan showdown that fans are eagerly awaiting.

Here are scenarios for Pakistan to qualify and potentially face India:

Scenario 1:

• Pakistan's final league match is against England on November 11.
• If New Zealand loses to Sri Lanka and Pakistan beats England, Pakistan will reach 10 points, surpassing New Zealand's 8 points.
• Pakistan hopes for Australia and South Africa to defeat Afghanistan.
• If Afghanistan wins one match, both Pakistan and Afghanistan will be tied at 10 points, with the semi-finalist determined by net run rate.

Scenario 2:

• If New Zealand beats Sri Lanka, Pakistan conquers England, and Afghanistan loses both matches, the net run rate will decide the knockout spot.
• New Zealand holds a better net run rate (+0.398) compared to Pakistan's (+0.036). Pakistan will need a strong victory against England.
• If Afghanistan wins one match, their negative net run rate places them third in the race.

Scenario 3:

• If rain affects the New Zealand vs. Sri Lanka match, a victory for Pakistan against England will put them ahead.
• Afghanistan's win will bring them to 10 points, and net run rate will decide.

The question remains, however, 'can Pakistan and India play against each other in the semi final?' Yes, they can based on a certain scenarios. The competition for the final semi-final spot is intense, and cricket enthusiasts around the world are eagerly following these teams' journeys. The prospect of an India vs. Pakistan encounter adds an exciting dimension to the World Cup.