What will happen if PAK vs NZ Cricket World Cup match is washed out due to rain?

The Cricket World Cup is nearing to its business end and the race for the three semi-final spot is still wide open. While South Africa, Australia and New Zealand were deemed clear favourites to take the last three semi-final spots, few unexpected results have made the World Cup points table interesting.

New Zealand’s huge loss against South Africa have once again raised some hopes for Pakistan team. The Babar Azam and Co. are currently fifth in the points table standings and need to beat New Zealand on Saturday to have a chance to secure the semi-final spot. Not only that, the Men in Green will have to beat the Blackcaps by 85 runs or chase the target in 35 overs to get NRR above the Kiwis.

World Cup 2023 Points Table

However, Pakistan’s biggest concern will be the weather which is expected to be gloomy on the matchday.

Also Read: Bengaluru Weather Report: Rain to play spoilsport in crunch NZ vs PAK World Cup clash

According to accuweather, a weather condition with a 70% to 80% chance of rain is expected in the afternoon in Bengaluru.

While a washout game will benefit New Zealand, it will dent Pakistan’s chances of reaching the semis.

How will a washout game ruin Pakistan’s chances of making it to semis?

Pakistan will have to beat New Zealand with a big margin and hope for Sri Lanka to beat the Kiwis in order to qualify for the semis.

A win over New Zealand will take Pakistan to 10 points and if Sri Lanka beat Blackcaps as well, they will stay on eight points and Pakistan will qualify.

However, if New Zealand beat Sri Lanka, both teams will be tied on 10 points and the team with a better
NRR will qualify.

Notably, if the match is washed out due to rain, Pakistan will have seven points and New Zealand will move to nine points. This would mean that the game between Sri Lanka and New Zealand will most likely decide who will go through to semis.

If New Zealand beat Sri Lanka, Pakistan will be knocked out of the tournament. However, if New Zealand lose to Sri Lanka, both teams will be tied on nine points and team with a superior
run rate will qualify.

But keep in mind that all these scenarios will come into place if Pakistan win against England. A loss will end their World Cup campaign.

Notably, there is also an outside chance of both New Zealand and Pakistan getting knocked out of the tournament. Afghanistan, who are in sixth spot at the moment, can make it to semis if they manage to pull off a few upsets.