India vs New Zealand Semi-Final CONFIRMED: In a much-awaited confirmation, India is set to cross swords against New Zealand in the 1st semi-final of the World Cup 2023. The confirmation came as ICC released the video before the Diwali celebration in India.
Although mathematically Pakistan is still in the contest, practically it is impossible for them to overpower New Zealand’s net run rate and get into the fourth place in the World Cup 2023 Points Table. To put things in perspective, England has scored 337 runs in 50 overs and to move past New Zealand’s net run rate Pakistan needs to chase it down in just 6.4 overs. Sounds like only a miracle would be able to save them.
Even if Pakistan manages to smash sixes in every delivery till 6.4 overs, they would still be 97 runs behind, considering no extras were bowled.
Keeping those facts in mind, the first semi-final of the World Cup 2023 will be held between India and New Zealand. The first-ranked team and the fourth-ranked side take guard in the semi-final one, which is scheduled to be held in Mumbai’s Wankhede Stadium on November 15.
Below is the Diwali celebration video released by the International Cricket Council (ICC) on Friday:
India vs New Zealand Semi-Final on November 15
It is worth noting that India defeated England in Lucknow to place their one foot into the semi-finals and then in the next fixture defeated Sri Lanka to become the first team to qualify for the World Cup 2023 semi-finals. A game later, Rohit Sharma and his boys ensured a top-of-the-table finish in the World Cup 2023 Points Table after defeating South Africa by 243 runs.
However, New Zealand had to rely on the permutation and combinations to qualify for the top 4. A couple of days ago, the Kiwis were entangled in a three-way battle against Pakistan and Afghanistan to confirm a semi-final spot.
Afghanistan were defeated by Australia and South Africa and were eliminated from the tournament. While Pakistan were still in the race, New Zealand’s win against Sri Lanka in Bengaluru, a couple of days ago, made things harder for Pakistan.
Pakistan had a poor net run rate and for them to supersede New Zealand’s position, they required some special effort, perhaps a miracle against England in the ongoing fixture. However, it has been tough going for Pakistan so far. Their qualification chances have gone down by 100 per cent.
Subsequently, with the elimination of Pakistan from the tournament, New Zealand automatically qualified for the World Cup 2023 Semi-Finals. They will now face India in the knockout fixture to be held at Wankhede Stadium on November 15.
Visit the ICC OFFICIAL WEBSITE for more recent updates.
