India’s journey in the 2023 Cricket World Cup has been nothing short of spectacular. They became the first team to secure a spot in the semi-finals after defeating Sri Lanka in Mumbai and later trouncing South Africa. With eight consecutive wins, the Indian team has displayed a relentless and ruthless performance throughout the tournament. However, the question on everyone’s mind is, who will they face in the semi-finals? The answer is yet to be determined.
According to ICC playing conditions, the top-ranked team in the points table will face the fourth-ranked team in the semi-finals. With Australia and South Africa already confirmed to play each other in the semi-final, India’s potential opponents are Pakistan, New Zealand, or Afghanistan. Sri Lanka, England, Bangladesh, and the Netherlands have no chance of making it to the knockout stages.
The date and venue of India’s semi-final match will also depend on their opponent. If India faces New Zealand or Afghanistan, the semi-final will be played at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai on November 15. However, if Pakistan qualifies, the semi-final will take place at Eden Gardens in Kolkata on November 16. It’s worth noting that Pakistan’s semi-final venue was predetermined before the tournament began.
Former India captain Sourav Ganguly expressed his desire for a blockbuster India vs. Pakistan semi-final, particularly because it would be hosted at his home ground, Eden Gardens. The stadium last hosted an India vs. Pakistan T20 World Cup match in 2016. Ganguly highlighted the significance of such a clash and the immense demand for tickets it would generate.
“I want Pakistan to reach the semi-finals and play India. It can’t be a bigger semi-final than that,” Ganguly told Sports Tak.
During India’s group match against South Africa, there were numerous FIRs, arrests, and complaints due to the extraordinary demand for tickets. An India vs. Pakistan semi-final could potentially surpass that level of craze. The intense rivalry between the two nations and the historical significance of their encounters make this a highly anticipated match.
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New Zealand currently holds a slight advantage over Afghanistan and Pakistan, primarily due to their higher net run rate (+0.398). A win against Sri Lanka in their final group-stage match would almost guarantee their spot in the semi-finals. However, if they lose or the match is washed out, Pakistan and Afghanistan have a chance to advance.
If New Zealand falters or faces a washout, Pakistan could capitalize on the opportunity. A win against England in their last group-stage match would secure their spot in the semi-finals. While Pakistan’s net run rate (0.036) is lower than New Zealand’s, it is significantly higher than Afghanistan’s (-0.338). For Afghanistan to surpass Pakistan on net run rate, they would need a convincing victory against South Africa, provided New Zealand doesn’t win their last match.
