Can Team Pakistan still qualify for knockout round? The route to a semi-final spot explained

 

Pakistan may still be eligible. How to advance to the semifinals is described

Pakistan is on the verge of exiting the ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2022 after two losses by the smallest of margins, but they are still in the running to make the semifinals.

After the defeat to Zimbabwe earlier in the Super 12 stage, skipper Babar Azam said, "To be honest, it's hard (to qualify today).

However, Pakistan has a little chance of making it to the knockout round. Simply put, they need to win on Thursday against South Africa. And if they succeed, they will still be in with a chance heading into the last round of games; Pakistan would then need help from the Netherlands, Zimbabwe, or the weather.

Out of Team Pakistan’s hands

Now Babar and his team may score a maximum of six points. Therefore, if they defeat South Africa, the scenario will essentially be as follows:

To give Pakistan a chance, one of India or South Africa must lose their last game without picking up any points.

If either team lost, Pakistan would have the chance to overtake Bangladesh and claim a top-two berth.

If the game is postponed due to rain, only South Africa's last game will count toward the final score.

In that case, Pakistan would know exactly what they needed to do to pass the Proteas on Net RR, which is likely to be a sizable but not impossible objective given their later match that day in Adelaide.

Therefore, it is not mathematically impossible for Pakistan to qualify for the semi-finals, but circumstances must truly go their way.

Can they at least uphold their half of the bargain? What's in store for them in their last two games?

Pakistan’s remaining matches

The SCG will play home to a significant Group 2 match that might be pivotal in Pakistan's improbable comeback. South Africa, which is currently rated third in the world, has a fierce bowling attack and a potent batting lineup. With six victories in the previous eight T20I matches, Pakistan has a solid recent record against the Proteas.

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

Pakistan would be confident in their prospects against Bangladesh if they are still in the game on the last matchday. Since the Tigers' previous victory in March 2016, Pakistan has won eight straight Twenty20 internationals (and one game has been abandoned).

Remaining Group 2 Fixtures

Thursday 03 November: Pakistan v South Africa, SCG, Sydney

Sunday 06 November: South Africa v Netherlands, Adelaide Oval

Sunday 06 November: Pakistan v Bangladesh, Adelaide Oval

Sunday 06 November: Zimbabwe v India, MCG, Melbourne