Pakistan's journey at the ongoing ICC Cricket World Cup 2023 has seen some twists and turns, as they now have a golden opportunity to secure a place in the semifinals.

After enduring four consecutive losses, the Babar Azam-led Pakistan team roared back with a seven-wicket win over Bangladesh, elevating them to the fifth position in the points table. 

As fate would have it, New Zealand suffered a 190-run defeat against South Africa, dropping to the fourth spot in the CWC 2023 points table. This has helped Pakistan's chances for knockouts qualification brighter.

Currently, New Zealand occupies the fourth position with 8 points from 7 matches and a commendable NRR of +0.484, while Australia securely holds the third spot with 8 points from 6 matches and an impressive NRR of +0.970.

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Well, Pakistan finds itself in the fifth position with 6 points from 7 games, but their net run rate stands at -0.024. Afghanistan sits in sixth place with 6 points from 6 matches and an NRR of -0.718.

With New Zealand's huge defeat, the possibility of Pakistan inching closer to the top four has become slightly real. They now have to beat New Zealand and England in their upcoming matches to make it to the semifinals of the ongoing ODI World Cup 2023.

Former England captain Michael Vaughan took to X to ask fans whether they wanted to see the India versus Pakistan semifinal at Eden Gardens.

Vaughan wrote on X: “India v Pakistan Semi in Kolkata anyone ..”

However, former Pakistan pacer Shoaib Akhtar spoil Vaughan’s excitement, as replied: “These things have spoilt us in the past also Vaughany.”

(PTI inputs)