Can Pakistan still qualify? Two tight defeats have left Pakistan on the verge of missing out on the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2022, but not entirely out of the running for a place in the semi-finals. To be honest, it’s difficult (to qualify now),” skipper Babar Azam confessed following the loss to Zimbabwe earlier in the Super 12 stage.
However, Pakistan still has a chance to go to the knockout stage. First and foremost, they must defeat South Africa on Thursday. And if they do, Pakistan will still have a chance heading into the last round of matches, with the Netherlands, Zimbabwe, or the weather on their side.
Out of Pakistan’s hands? Can Pakistan still qualify
Babar and his team may now score a maximum of six points. So, if they win South Africa, the situation will be as follows: To give Pakistan a chance, one of India or South Africa must lose their last games. A loss for either team – or a draw for South Africa – would then offer Pakistan the chance to leapfrog South Africa into second place with a win over Bangladesh.
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Can Pakistan still qualify by winning the remaining matches?
Should weather disrupt the Proteas’ match against the Netherlands, Pakistan might surpass India on net run rate or finish ahead of South Africa due to having more victories. So qualifying for the semi-finals is not theoretically impossible, but things must go Pakistan’s way. Can they at least hold up their half of the bargain? Here’s what awaits them in their last two games…
Thursday 03 November: Pakistan v South Africa, SCG, Sydney
The SCG will host a big Group 2 encounter, which might be decisive in Pakistan’s unexpected resurgence. South Africa is now rated third in the world, with a ferocious bowling attack and a strong batting squad. However, Pakistan has a solid recent record against the Proteas, with six victories in the past eight T20Is.
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Sunday 06 November: Pakistan v Bangladesh, Adelaide Oval
If Pakistan is still alive on the last day, they will be optimistic about their prospects against Bangladesh. Pakistan has a strong recent T20I record in this match, with eight straight wins (and one abandoned game) since the Tigers last won in March 2016.
Remaining Group 2 Fixtures
- Thursday 03 November: Pakistan v South Africa, SCG, Sydney
- Sunday 06 November: South Africa v Netherlands, Adelaide Oval
- Sunday 06 November: Pakistan v Bangladesh, Adelaide Oval
- Sunday 06 November: Zimbabwe v India, MCG, Melbourne