Though no team is mathematically out of the contest for reaching the knockout stage of World Cup 2023, chances of reaching the top four are quite slim for some pre-tournament favourites including the title defender England.
After all the teams have played five matches each, India, South Africa and New Zealand are sitting pretty to advance to the next level.
Men in Blue have won all five games and look almost certain to reach the semi-final unless they perform horribly in their next encounters which are against England, Sri Lanka, South Africa and the Netherlands.
The same is the case with Black Caps and Proteas who have won four games out of five and have the advantage of a healthy net run rate.
Second-placed South Africa have sent a warning shot across the tournament with four totals above 300 – including more than 400 against Sri Lanka.
The Proteas’ one blemish came in a shock 38-run loss to Netherlands when they were got out for 207.
Their next matches are against Pakistan, New Zealand, India and Afghanistan.
Black Caps, the runner’s up at the past two World Cups, are well-placed to secure yet another semi-final berth by winning just two more matches.
Their remaining matches are against Australia, South Africa, Pakistan and Sri Lanka.
Australia, currently sitting in fourth place, have won three out of five matches.
Sri Lanka, Pakistan and Afghanistan with two wins each can remain hopeful of clinching a semi-final spot but it is solely dependent on their performance and the results of other matches.
Fourth places Australia have been building momentum after starting their campaign with two disappointing losses.
Their remaining matches are against New Zealand, England, Afghanistan and Bangladesh.
After defeating England, Sri Lanka is placed in fifth place with two wins but a better net run rate compared to Pakistan and Afghanistan.
Sri Lanka’s next matches are against Afghanistan, India, Bangladesh and New Zealand.
Green Shirts made an impressive start with two comprehensive victories but are now on the brink of missing out on the knockout stages.
The shocking loss against Afghanistan could prove costly as Pakistan is left with plenty to do in their remaining fixtures.
1992 champions needed to break the losing streak against South Africa to come back on track. Otherwise, Pakistan will rely on other results to keep their semi-final hopes alive.
The remaining matches are against South Africa, Bangladesh, New Zealand and England.
Afghanistan are also in the mix to earn a semi-final berth. They need to win at least three of their remaining four matches to keep the hope alive.
Their remaining matches are against Sri Lanka, Netherlands, Australia and South Africa.
