How Pakistan may still reach the semifinals of the T20 World Cup despite losses to India and Zimbabwe

After two straight defeats, Pakistan’s 2022 T20 World Cup campaign has not gotten off to the desired start, as they have yet to score in the competition. Pakistan fell by four wickets in their World Cup opener, as Virat Kohli’s unbroken 82-run effort in Melbourne on Sunday prevented them from replicating their historic achievement from Dubai 12 months earlier. Three nights later, the Babar Azam-led team suffered a stunning defeat to Zimbabwe in Perth, losing by a run that left their season in doubt.

Pakistan’s hopes of reaching the T20 World Cup semifinals have been diminished by the two defeats, although they are still in the game mathematically possible.

Pakistan is now ranked fifth in the standings and is only the second team, after the Netherlands, that has yet to earn a point in Group 2 of the T20 World Cup’s Super 12. They are separated from the Netherlands by their net run rate of -0.050. (-1.625). To have a chance of entering the semifinals, Pakistan must win all three of their remaining matches against the Netherlands (in Perth), Bangladesh (in Adelaide), and South Africa (in Sydney). Pakistan will need to rely heavily on other things as well, however.

If Pakistan wins its next three games, it may earn a maximum of six points. With three more games to play, India, who are currently in the first position in the group, is predicted to advance to the semifinals. If they win two more, India will finish first in Group 2, securing a spot in the semifinals. A higher NRR will give them the advantage in the race to the semifinals, even if they win one more game.

Pakistan needs at least one of its last three games against South Africa or Zimbabwe to win to fulfill its semi-final ambition. South Africa, the team in the second position, would have seven points after two victories, which is more than Pakistan can score. The same is true for Zimbabwe, which has three points and is ranked third in the group.

Rest of the Group 2 Fixtures

Bangladesh will play Zimbabwe on October 30 at The Gabba in Brisbane.

Netherlands vs. Pakistan on October 30 at Perth Stadium

India and South Africa will play on October 30 at Perth Stadium.

Wednesday, November 2, at Adelaide Oval: Zimbabwe vs. the Netherlands

India and Bangladesh will play on November 2 at Adelaide Oval.

Pakistan and South Africa will play on November 3 at the SCG in Sydney.

Sunday, November 6, Adelaide Oval, South Africa vs. Netherlands.

Sunday, November 6, Adelaide Oval, Pakistan vs. Bangladesh.

Zimbabwe vs. India, Sunday, November 6, MCG, Melbourne