Pakistan kept their World Cup 2023 semi-final hopes alive with a crushing seven-wicket victory over Bangladesh at the Eden Gardens, Kolkata on Tuesday (October 31).

However, the Men in Green are still dependent on the results of other teams, especially New Zealand.

Having started the tournament with four successive victories, the Kiwis slumped to three defeats on the trot. On Wednesday (November 1), they suffered a humiliating 190-run defeat at the hands of South Africa in Pune.

This result has narrowed the gap between Pakistan and New Zealand to just two points. However, the BlackCaps still have a superior net run-rate (NRR) compared to Pakistan, which keeps them a spot ahead at number four.

Babar Azam’s men can make it to the final four by winning their remaining two games and hope that New Zealand must lose theirs. Therefore, the forthcoming match between the two teams in Bangalore on November 4 becomes extremely crucial.

Speaking on A Sports, pace legend Wasim Akram explained how Pakistan need to beat New Zealand to stay ahead or closer to their NRR.

"Pakistan obviously need to go above NZ's net run rate, we all know that," said Akram. "When Pakistan play against New Zealand, they need to win by 83 runs; and if they bat second, then they need to chase New Zealand's total in 35 overs."

Former Pakistan captain Shoaib Malik, who was also part of the discussion on A Sports, pointed out that Pakistan should have chased down Bangladesh’s target earlier in the last game to boost their NRR.

Chasing 205 to win, Pakistan got over the finishing line in 32.3 overs after a terrific opening stand of 128 runs between Fakhar Zaman and Abdullah Shafique.

"One thing we could have done," said Malik. "In the last match, our openers had given a good start, so we could have won finished earlier. Then this margin explained by Wasim bhai could have gotten easier (to manage)."

Pakistan will face England in their last league match on November 11, while New Zealand will take on Sri Lanka on November 9.