Pakistan had pinned its hopes on India to qualify for thesemi finals of ICC World Cup 2019. But the hopes of the men in green weredashed when England defeated India at Edgbaston in Birmingham. Now, Pakistan’shopes rest on the match between England and New Zealand, to be played at theRiverside Ground on Wednesday.

For Pakistan to qualify for the semi finals, New Zealandwill have to win against England. And if this becomes a reality, then allskipper Sarfaraz Ahmed’s men need to do is win their upcoming match againstBangladesh at the Lord’s cricket ground in London.

But things get complicated for Pakistan in case Englandregisters another victory. In case England beat New Zealand, the road only getstougher for Pakistan. To ensure Pakistan’s entry into the semi finals, England willhave to defeat New Zealand by a huge margin. And in the match on Friday,Pakistan will have to beat Bangladesh by a huge margin.

This is because of the abysmal net run rate of Pakistan inthe ICC World Cup 2019. The team has a net run rate of -0.792, while Englandand New Zealand currently have net run rates of +1.000 and +0.572,respectively. The net run rate of Bangladesh is -0.195.

If England beats New Zealand with a huge margin and Pakistandoes the same against Bangladesh, there is a possibility of Pakistan edging NewZealand out on the basis of run rate. A victory for England will also seal EoinMorgan’s team’s position in the semi finals.