As of today, India, Australia and South Africa have booked their spot for the World Cup 2023 semi-finals. While New Zealand will most probably qualify for the knock-out round, the Pakistan versus England match in Kolkata on Saturday (November 11) will give a clear picture.
In order to qualify for the semi-final, Pakistan have a daunting task at their hands. The Men in Green need to beat the defending champions by at least 287 runs to eliminate New Zealand as the fourth semi-finalist on the basis of net run rate. In case of chasing, they have to overhaul the target in less than five overs.
Despite Pakistan still being mathematically alive in the race, the ICC on Friday (November 10) announced the Kiwis as India's semi-final opponent, thereby ending Babar Azam’s men World Cup campaign even before their last league fixture.
An ICC video featuring Mumbai’s iconic Gateway of India revealed that it will be India up against New Zealand in the semis while Australia will take on South Africa.
The three-minute clip, which had dazzling 3D projection, India skipper Rohit Sharma and New Zealand's Kane Williamson on one side and Pat Cummins of Australia and South Africa's Temba Bavuma on the other side.
Here is how netizens reacted to the video:
If India face New Zealand in the semis, the match will take place in Mumbai on November 15 while the Australia-South Africa clash will be held in Kolkata on November 16.