Pakistan kept their World Cup 2023 semi-final hopes alive with a 21-run victory (DLS method) over New Zealand at Chinnaswamy Stadium, Bengaluru last week. However, the Men in Green rely on the result of other teams, especially New Zealand to make it to the final four.

With eight points from as many games, Pakistan not only need to beat England in their last league match but also hope that New Zealand lose to Sri Lanka.

If Pakistan do qualify, they will set up a mouth-watering clash with arch-rivals India in Kolkata on November 16 for a place in the final.

Meanwhile, former cricketer Mohammad Kaif has said that the India versus Pakistan encounter in the semi-final could end up being one-sided, backing Rohit Sharma’s men to defeat the Men in Green.

“They can reach but it will be a one-sided affair. I am opening the pages of history, what has happened. India have defeated them easily,” Kaif said on Star Sports.

“However, Pakistan have the chance. If they play a good match and defeat England, the net-run-rate issue will be there, so they can reach there with a big win,” he added.

For the record, Pakistan have never defeated India in the history of Cricket World Cups. The two teams have faced each other eight times, with India winning the games on all occasions.

In the ongoing World Cup, India crushed Pakistan by seven wickets at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad on October 14.

Meanwhile, Team India have qualified for the World Cup 2023 semi-final without losing a match in the league match. The Men in Blue are currently on a winning streak of eight games and they will face Netherlands in their last league fixture in Bengaluru on November 12.