NZ vs SL Washout: Pakistan’s World Cup Semi-final Chances

With parts of Bengaluru under yellow alert till November 10, there are high chances that the World Cup 2023 match between New Zealand and Sri Lanka at the Chinnaswamy Stadium could be rain-affected.

In the worst-case scenario, there could be a washout as there are about four thunderstorms predicted throughout the course of the day.

The Chinnaswamy Stadium has one of the best drainage facilities among all cricket venues in the country. It can be ready for action within half an hour of rainfall but if the showers are relentless and heavy then it might be difficult to get a game. In case, there is a washout, there will be significant consequences as far as the World Cup points table is concerned.

What happens if NZ vs SL is a washout?

Both New Zealand and Sri Lanka will share points. New Zealand will be stuck with 9 points while Sri Lanka will trod to 5. The latter has no chance of making it to the World Cup semi-finals but a rain washout would severely dent New Zealand’s chances of qualifying as the fourth-ranked side. The Kane Williamson-led side started off the tournament with four wins in a row but ended up losing as many after that. They desperately need to win against Sri Lanka to reach 10 points.

A rain washout in NZ vs SL, however, would provide a golden opportunity for Pakistan to sneak into the semi-finals. Pakistan currently have 8 points in 8 matches and they face England on Sunday. If they beat the defending champions, who are already out of the tournament, then they would qualify for the semi-finals.

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Afghanistan too have a chance if they beat South Africa but their net run rate can become an issue and even if they better it by beating the Proteas by a huge margin, Pakistan would have the advantage of knowing the exact equation as their match against England is later.