The Pakistan cricket team has finally found some success at the ODI Cricket World Cup 2023 after a series of losses. Led by Babar Azam, the 1992 champions secured a seven-wicket victory over Bangladesh in Kolkata, propelling them to the fifth spot in the points table. Their fortunes improved further when New Zealand suffered a defeat against South Africa in Pune.
New Zealand’s loss to South Africa was a major blow as it dropped them to fourth place in the points table. Currently, South Africa and India hold the top two positions with 12 points each. Australia is in third place with 8 points from 6 matches, while New Zealand has 8 points from 7 matches. Pakistan follows closely behind with 6 points from 7 games. Afghanistan is also in contention with 6 points from 6 matches.
Pakistan’s upcoming matches against New Zealand and England will be crucial for their chances of making it to the semifinals. If they can win those matches and receive favorable results from other teams, they may have a chance of advancing. However, Afghanistan and Sri Lanka, currently in seventh place with 4 points, are also in the running. Afghanistan will face Netherlands, Australia, and South Africa, while Sri Lanka will play against India, Bangladesh, and New Zealand.
Meanwhile, South African opener Quinton de Kock has been in top form, scoring his fourth century of the tournament and becoming the first player from his country to surpass 500 runs in a World Cup edition. He achieved this feat during a match against New Zealand in Pune, where he scored a remarkable century. This century also equaled Kumar Sangakkara’s record of four centuries in a single World Cup edition.
Rohit Sharma of India holds the record for the most centuries in a single World Cup edition, with five. De Kock also joined the elite company of Adam Gilchrist and Sangakkara for the most 50+ scores by a wicket-keeper in a World Cup edition. Additionally, he has hit the most sixes as a wicket-keeper-batter in the ODI World Cup.
In the match against New Zealand, South Africa amassed a formidable total of 357/4, thanks to centuries by Rassie van der Dussen and De Kock. Their strong performance further solidifies their position in the tournament.
Overall, the World Cup 2023 is heating up, with teams fighting for a spot in the semifinals. The next matches will be crucial in determining which teams make it to the final stages of the tournament.
