In their only third ODI World Cup, Afghanistan has managed to exceed the expectations. So far, they have played seven games and managed to win four, including the ones against current holders, England, 1992 winners Pakistan, and the 1996 winners, Sri Lanka. After four wins in seven games, they are in contention to play their first semifinal across world events. Apart from this, they have also qualified for the Champions Trophy 2025.
For the first time in their history, the Afghans will play the ‘Mini World Cup’. Since playing their first global event in 2010 (T20 World Cup in the West Indies), they have come a long way. Eight years back, the Asian side made their debut in the ODI World Cup and won their first-ever WC game, against a higher-ranked Scotland. Fast forward to the ongoing tournament, let’s have a look at the scenarios of their semis qualification.
Scenarios for Afghanistan to qualify for the semis
1. Win their remaining games against Australia and South Africa
At this point, they have eight points to their name and can get to 12 points, given they win against the likes of Australia and South Africa. Notably, outside of the top four teams of the tournament (including New Zealand who is at fourth spot), they can only get to 10 points maximum. If the Asian side, manages to win both games, they will also eliminate New Zealand and Pakistan without the 1992 winners even playing their last game against England.
2. Win massively against either team by a handsome margin and expect New Zealand and Pakistan to lose
Even if the Afghans lose either against Australia or South Africa, they need to win at least one game by a huge margin. Comparing New Zealand’s NRR (+0.398) and Pakistan’s (+0.036), the Blue Brigade’s NRR (-0.330) is quite low. However, even if they win only one game, they need to do it by a fair margin to get NZ and PAK’s NRR. Also, they need to hope that Sri Lanka beats the Blackcaps and the Three Lions beat the Shaheens.
