Babar Azam and Co. will have their task cut out in the PAK vs SA World Cup match. To note, Pakistan have lost three matches on the trot and it will be a do-or-die situation for the Men in Green. After two victories to start their tournament defeating Netherlands and Sri Lanka, Pakistan have had a hat trick of losses against India, Australia and now Afghanistan. Well they are far from the semi-finals qualification but the hopes are still very high.
Babar Azam and Co are placed fifth in table
At present, Babar Azam and Co. are on 4 points after five matches, sitting 5th in the points table. All the teams will play 9 group stage matches, Pakistan are just past the halfway stage in this World Cup 2023. As a result, the PAK vs SA World Cup match in Chennai becomes more important for skipper Babar Azam and his side.
The Pakistan side is also slated to play against Bangladesh, New Zealand and England. If Pakistan win their next four matches, they will get to 12 points at the end of group stages.
In this case, they have a realistic chance of qualifying for the semifinals. As South Africa and New Zealand are set to play each other, Pakistan do have a chance to get to the last four if they have a better net run rate of either South Africa or the New Zealand.
However, if Pakistan lose one more match then this makes things tougher for Babar Azam and co. Mathematically the Men in Green can still qualify for the semifinals on 10 points, but that would require India losing all four matches, South Africa losing four of their next five matches. Any fewer wins in the remaining four matches will mean the exit for Pakistan from the tournament.