ISLAMABAD: Pakistan are all but out of the race for a spot in the top four teams of the ICC World Cup 2019 as England crushed New Zealand by 119 runs on Wednesday to reach the semifinals for the first time since 1992.
Pakistan are at the fifth spot on the points table with nine points and a net run-rate of -0.792. On Friday, they will play their last group game against Bangladesh at Lord’s and would need to win by at least 316 runs to qualify for the semifinals. Anything short of this margin will see New Zealand, with a much superior net run-rate, sail through to the semis.
A seven-wicket defeat against West Indies in Pakistan’s opening game of the tournament seriously dented their run-rate.
The green shirts initially won just one of their first five World Cup matches but bounced back strongly with victories against South Africa, New Zealand and Afghanistan to give themselves a shot at reaching the semifinals.
Last week, a win against Afghanistan, their third consecutive victory, lifted Pakistan into fourth place in the 10-team table, above hosts England.
Had England been defeated in both of their last two matches, against India and New Zealand, Pakistan would have almost certainly made the semifinals. England won both matches.
The top four teams currently are Australia, India, England, and New Zealand. England will now play their semifinal at Edgbaston next Thursday against either India or Australia.
Pakistan’s World Cup dream all but dead as hosts England reach semifinals
Pakistan’s World Cup dream all but dead as hosts England reach semifinals
- Pakistan at fifth spot on points table with nine points and net run-rate of -0.792
- New Zealand set to qualify for semis unless Pakistan beat Bangladesh by near-impossible margin
Desert Vipers chief urges side to focus on playoff, not ILT20 trophy
- The Vipers, the most successful team this season with eight wins from 10 matches, take on the Emirates knowing the winner will secure a direct place in the final
DUBAI: The Desert Vipers’ director of cricket, Tom Moody, has urged his side to focus on the immediate challenge of Qualifier 1 against MI Emirates on Tuesday rather than lifting the DP World ILT20 trophy.
Speaking on the Vipers Voices podcast on Monday, Moody said: “You do not look at the prize, as simple as that. Yes, we all want to be successful. Yes, we all want to win trophies, but if you get too obsessed with that mission, you end up falling short.”
The Vipers, the most successful team this season with eight wins from 10 matches, take on the Emirates knowing the winner will secure a direct place in the final.
Moody, a former World Cup winner with Australia, stressed the importance of approaching the game positively and executing a perfect performance with bat, ball and in the field.
“If we just take that positive outlook and draw on the experience we have had, concentrate on just trying to put together our perfect game, we should be in good hands,” he said.
Moody acknowledged the strength of MI Emirates, led by Kieron Pollard, and highlighted the challenge of playing at Abu Dhabi, where the opposition is familiar with the conditions.
“They play most of their games there, so that is an advantage for them. But at the end of the day, you are not really playing the opposition; you are playing the ball,” he added.
Reflecting on the Vipers’ season, Moody said five of their eight league wins came in the final over, giving the team experience under pressure.
“It gives important lessons for the team and builds trust within the playing group,” he said.
He also addressed the impact of the cooler conditions in the UAE and dew on the finals series, saying the team must adapt regardless of the toss.
“From my perspective, the mindset we need to share is that it does not matter. We just need to adapt,” he said.
