Pakistan have failed to get their T20 World Cup 2022 campaign off to a desired start and are in fact yet to open their account in the tournament after consecutive losses.
Virat Kohli’s unbeaten 82-run knock in Melbourne last Sunday denied Pakistan a chance at emulating their historic Dubai feat 12 months back as they lost by four wickets in their World Cup opener. Three nights later, the Babar Azam- led side suffered a shocker as they lost by a run to Zimbabwe in Perth, leaving their campaign hanging in balance.
The twin losses have dampened Pakistan’s chances of making the semi-final round in the T20 World Cup, but they are still in the contest with a mathematical possibility.
Pakistan presently stand fifth in the table and are only the second team apart from Netherlands who are yet to claim a point in Group 2 of the Super 12 stage of the T20 World Cup. Their net run rate of -0.050 separates them from Netherlands (-1.625). Pakistan of course have to win all their remaining three games – against Netherlands (Perth), Bangladesh (Adelaide) and South Africa (Sydney) – to stand a chance of making the semi-finals. However, Pakistan will have to hugely depend on other factors as well.
The maximum Pakistan can gain if they win their next three games is six points. India are presently the best-placed side in the group and are expected to make the semi-final with three more games left to be played for them. They win two more and India are can finish top of Group 2, assuring themselves a semi-final berth. Even if they win one more, a superior NRR will give them the edge in the race to the semis.
For Pakistan to realise semi-final dream, they need one between South Africa and Zimbabwe to win not more than one their remaining three games. Two wins will have South Africa, the second-placed side, with seven points, which will be more than the number of points Pakistan can achieve. Same for Zimbabwe, who are placed third in the group with three points.
Remaining Group 2 Fixtures
Sunday 30 October: Bangladesh v Zimbabwe, The Gabba, Brisbane
Sunday 30 October: Netherlands v Pakistan, Perth Stadium
Sunday 30 October: India v South Africa, Perth Stadium
Wednesday 02 November: Zimbabwe v Netherlands, Adelaide Oval
Wednesday 02 November: India v Bangladesh, Adelaide Oval
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
