Confirmed: IND vs NZ Semifinal Set as Jos Buttler Chooses to Bat in ENG vs PAK World Cup Match
India, who are currently leading the rankings, have formally secured their place in the first-ever ICC Men’s ODI World Cup 2023 semi-final, which is set to take place against New Zealand on November 15, Wednesday, at Mumbai’s Wankhede Stadium. No matter what happens in the ongoing England vs. Pakistan match in Kolkata on November 11 (Saturday), New Zealand has cemented their fourth place in the points rankings. Babar Azam’s Pakistan could have guaranteed a place in the final four if they had defeated England by at least 287 runs. But now that England has decided to bat first, Pakistan’s chances of making it to the semi-finals appear slim to none.
After losing the toss, Pakistan faced an impossible task to move ahead of New Zealand in the points standings. They would have needed to chase down targets of 100 runs in 2.5 overs, 200 runs in 4.3 overs, and 300 runs in 6.1 overs in order to guarantee their place in the semi-finals. Pakistan is officially out of the running for a semi-final position due to the impracticality of reaching 100 runs in 2.5 overs.
India, who have won all eight of their previous matches, will meet the Netherlands in Bengaluru on Sunday, November 12, to wrap off their league stage campaign. After that, they’ll go to Mumbai to play New Zealand at Wankhede Stadium in the opening semi-final.
The first semi-final of the 2023 edition includes a matchup between India and New Zealand, a reflection of the 2019 ICC World Cup. As it did in 2019, India led the points table, with New Zealand coming in at number four. Remembering the 2019 semi-final that took place over two days in Manchester because of the weather, New Zealand won and qualified to play England in the final.
On November 2, India defeated Sri Lanka by 302 runs at Wankhede Stadium in a thrilling match of the 2023 World Cup. On November 15 (Wednesday), they will take on New Zealand, which will present their next test.
Australia and South Africa, the reigning champions, will square off in the second semi-final of the ODI World Cup 2023, which is set for November 16 at Eden Gardens in Kolkata. The much awaited championship match is scheduled for November 19 at Ahmedabad’s Narendra Modi Stadium.
Jos Buttler chose to bat first in the current match between Pakistan and England, the reigning champions. England got off to a great start, scoring 72-0 after the first ten overs.