Pak entry to semifinals mathematically possible but highly unlikely

KARACHI: Despite two losses in as many games, Pakistan’s hopes of advancing to the semifinals of the ICC Champions Trophy remain mathematically possible but highly unlikely.

Their qualification depends on a series of specific match outcomes and favorable net run rate calculations.

For Pakistan to qualify:

• Bangladesh must defeat New Zealand on Feb. 24.

• Pakistan must then beat Bangladesh by a significant margin on Feb. 27.

• India must defeat New Zealand on March 2 in Dubai.

It is also crucial that New Zealand loses both their remaining matches by substantial margins to negatively impact their net run rate.

Any washout in these matches would officially eliminate Pakistan from the tournament.

The scenario requires multiple external results to align, making Pakistan’s path to qualification highly improbable.