The Rohit Sharma-led Indian cricket team, which is at the top of the ICC points table with 16 points and a net rate of (+) 2.456, has become the first team to qualify for the semi-finals of the ICC Men’s World Cup 2023.

The other two teams that qualified for the semi-finals are Australia led by Pat Cummins and South Africa led by Temba Bavuma. In 9 matches the Proteas have 14 points and NRR (+)1.261 with 7 wins and 2 losses.

In contrast, Australia have given up 12 points in 8 games and an NRR (+)0.861 with 6 wins and 2 losses. They play Bangladesh, who are already out of the semi-finals.

Australia and South Africa will face each other in the semi-final, although the date and venue are uncertain as the 4th team for the second semi-final has yet to be decided.

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India’s Opponent for Semi-Finals:

While Pakistan’s semi-final hopes are still alive, there is a better chance of New Zealand qualifying to face India. Looking at the NRR difference, NZ has a (+)0.743 NRR, played 9 games and has 10 points.

For Babar Azam’s Pakistan, a win against England is vital and they will need to get a good NRR which is (+)0.036. Not enough to qualify for sure.

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Semi-final scenario:

If Pakistan win the November 11 match by a big margin and qualify for the semi-finals, they will face India at the Eden Gardens, Kolkata on November 16, otherwise India will face New Zealand on the 15th at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai.

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What if the rain spoils?

The rule is that if the rains do not make it possible to lose the minimum overtime, the team that is higher in the points table in the tournament phase will advance to the finals.

If rain spoils the semi-final match against New Zealand or Pakistan, India will enter the final on the basis of points and a larger NRR. Same goes for South Africa vs Australia.