Cricket World Cup 2023: “Pakistan successfully qualified to Karachi”- Netizens react as New Zealand beat Sri Lanka and are one step closer for semi-final spot while Pakistan need to do the impossible 

As the Kiwis beat the Lankans, they have one foot set in the semi-finals unless Pakistan pull off a miracle.

Cricket World Cup 2023: “Pakistan successfully qualified to Karachi”- Netizens react as New Zealand beat Sri Lanka and are one step closer for semi-final spot while Pakistan need to do the impossible 

New Zealand celebrate a wicket (Image via ESPN)

On 9th November, New Zealand comfortably beat Sri Lanka by 5 wickets at the Chinnaswamy Stadium. This win means they are just one step closer to booking a spot to play in the 1st Semi-final of the 2023 ICC ODI World Cup. This loss also hampers Sri Lanka’s attempts to qualify for the 2025 Champions Trophy. 

Being sent in to bat first, the Sri Lankan had no answers to the Kiwi Bowling attack as they were bundled out for only 171 runs. Four out the top 5 batters failed to score double digits while the 2nd highest scorer of the team was tailender Maheesh Theekshana. Kusal Perera scored a quickfire half-century in only 22 balls, but departed just 6 balls later. One of the highlights of the innings was when Angelo Mathews came into bat. Walking to the crease, Kiwi captain Kane Williamson asked the Sri Lankan veteran to double check his strap before he batted. 

YouTube video

Rachin Ravindra and Devon Conway started off the innings strong, with both openers scoring 42 and 45 respectively. Kane Williamson couldn’t recreate his performance against Pakistan, but Daryl Mitchell made sure he got quick runs. Glenn Phillips finished the match for New Zealand as they chased down the target in just 23.2 overs. 

New Zealand have one foot in the semis as Pakistan need to accomplish the impossible 

As the Kiwis beat Sri Lanka, they have had a huge boost to their Net Run Rate. They currently have 10 points with a NNR or 0.743. If Pakistan want to go above New Zealand, they need to win by a minimum of 287 runs or chase down whatever target they have in just 2.3 overs. Afghanistan who are also in the running for a spot in the Semi-Finals are practically out, as they have a negative NRR of -0.338. 

New Zealand
The Sri Lankan batters had no answers for the Kiwi bowlers (Image via ESPN)

Netizens were happy with the prospect of Pakistan getting knocked out of the 2023 ICC ODI World Cup. Due to the impossible margins Pakistan need to win by, it is safe to think they are knocked out of the competition. 

Check out their reactions here:

https://twitter.com/KirketAcademy/status/1722619690537886134?s=20
https://twitter.com/ishubhamsakhuja/status/1722619742564110494?s=20
https://twitter.com/Here4Virat/status/1722629859455987989?s=20
https://twitter.com/LoyleRohitFan/status/1722630422247686315?s=20

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