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Bengaluru (Source: Twitter)
New Zealand is all set to face in the 41st match of the ODI World Cup 2023 and it is going to be the most important match of the World Cup as the fortunes of two other teams – Pakistan and Afghanistan are tied with this game. New Zealand is sitting at the 4th spot in the points table with 8 points in 4 matches with an NRR of +0.398 just above Pakistan and Afghanistan who are at the 5th and 6th spot respectively with the same points but a lower NRR.
Among these three teams, New Zealand has the best chance to qualify for the semi-finals with a better NRR. If they win their last league match against Sri Lanka, then Pakistan and Afghanistan will have to win their last matches against England and South Africa with big margins to get past New Zealand in the semi-final race.
But the rain gods may not be kind to the Kiwis as rain is very likely to play a spoilsport in their match against Sri Lanka. It has been raining in Bengaluru for the past few and it is not looking anything different on the match day as well. According to weather reports, there are 90% chances of rain during 3 pm to 6 pm which is an important period of play as the match starts at 2 pm.
If the game between New Zealand and Sri Lanka washes out, then the match would be declared as no result and both the teams will be awarded 1 point each leaving New Zealand at just 9 points after the league stage.
New Zealand’s loss is Pakistan’s gain
In case, New Zealand’s game is washed out they will stand at only 9 points after 9 matches and Pakistan who are already at 8 points with one match left will only have to win their last match and they will be through to the semi-finals assuming that Afghanistan loses their last match against South Africa or doesn’t win that game by a big margin.
However, in all this Afghanistan also stands a chance. If New Zealand’s last game is washed out and Pakistan loses against England, Afghanistan will qualify given they beat South Africa at Ahmedabad. But in case, either of the two teams wins then Afghanistan will have to win their last match with a very huge margin against South Africa which is highly unlikely.