• Source:JND
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Former Indian cricketer and current commentator, Harbhajan Singh, expressed his skepticism about Pakistan's chances of reaching the semi-finals of the 2023 World Cup following New Zealand's emphatic five-wicket win over Sri Lanka. The Kiwis' dominant victory has placed them in a strong position to secure the fourth and final semi-final berth.

During a discussion on Star Sports, Harbhajan questioned Pakistan's prospects, emphasizing that they would need an extraordinary win margin of approximately 287 runs in their last league match against England to surpass New Zealand's net run rate.

"I don't think they have any chance. It will be like cheating yourself that they have a chance. Pakistan will have to win the match by 285-odd runs. They might not score those many runs in total.

If they have to win the match by 285-odd runs, they will have to score 400 or 450. If they score 400-450 runs in a match, the other team won't come to eat chole. They will also come and bat a little. So understand what sort of pitch it would be," Harbhajan said.

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Harbhajan's assessment highlighted the practical improbability of such an achievement and suggested that the four semi-finalist teams were already decided, with New Zealand safely progressing to the next stage. While Afghanistan also had an outside chance, their qualification hinged on a miraculous net run rate improvement that appeared highly unlikely.

"In my opinion, Hariram ka baj gaya dhol. They will have to go back now. Either New Zealand or Afghanistan will go ahead. They are the only two teams.

"Afghanistan will also have to win by a very big margin. It's not that it's going to be easy for them as well, but I feel the four teams have been decided. New Zealand have progressed," Harbhajan further said.

He further elaborated on the unrealistic run rate required, emphasizing that Pakistan would need to post an extraordinary score, likely around 400-450 runs, to meet the desired margin. Harbhajan also pointed out that it was improbable that England, their opposition in the match, would simply capitulate, especially if Pakistan set such a challenging target.