The upcoming ICC World Cup 2023 clash between Pakistan and New Zealand, slated for November 4 at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium, faces a formidable adversary and that is the unpredictable Bengaluru weather.
With a significant 70 to 80 per cent chance of rain on Saturday afternoon, the much-anticipated match hangs in the balance, leaving cricket enthusiasts on the edge of their seats.
The match, scheduled to kick off at 10:00 am local time, is crucial for Pakistan’s World Cup campaign.
To stay in the tournament race and boost their chances of advancing to the semi-finals, Pakistan must secure a victory against New Zealand, and not just any win—it has to be significant.
Winning by 84 runs or chasing down the target within 35 overs could propel Pakistan ahead of New Zealand in the standings, making every run and every over count.
However, the looming threat of a rain-induced washout adds an element of uncertainty.
In the unfortunate event of a match cancellation due to inclement weather, both teams would be awarded one point each. While this scenario would not impact net run rate calculations, it could significantly alter the dynamics of the tournament.
Adding to the stakes, South Africa’s impressive 190-run victory against New Zealand in the 32nd match has provided a glimmer of hope for Pakistan. Babar Azam and his team, known as the Green Shirts, face a challenging road to the semi-finals, but this recent turn of events has slightly eased their path.
For Pakistan, it is not merely about winning; it’s about winning big. Ideally, Pakistan should defeat New Zealand in the upcoming game and simultaneously hope for a New Zealand defeat against Sri Lanka.
If the Black Caps stumble in their remaining matches, ending the group stage with eight points, Pakistan could qualify for the knockout stage with 10 points by securing victories against their next two opponents.
