T20 World Cup 2022: Can Pakistan still qualify for semifinal if South Africa beat Netherlands

After England and New Zealand qualified for the semifinals of T20 World Cup 2022, the fate of Group 2 will be decided on Sunday, with a triple header as South Africa, Pakistan and Team India all will be in action at the weekend.

All three teams remain in the hunt to reach the semifinals, although, only two teams can make it through to the next stage. Currently, Team India are at the top of the Group 2 standings with six points, although they will be action after South Africa take on the Netherlands, while Pakistan will fight it out with Bangladesh.

The match between the Proteas and the Dutch got underway, and Temba Bavuma’s side look all but set to tame the Netherlands, having restricted them to a total of 158 runs. While it will still be a challenge, one expects South Africa to chase down the required target.

It’s a straightforward equation for the South African side, a win against the Netherlands will take them through, which will leave just one spot remaining for which, India and Pakistan will fight it out.

Can Pakistan reach the semifinals of the T20 World Cup 2022?

Babar Azam’s side need to win their match against Bangladesh and still hope for a miracle elsewhere. Having lost against India and Zimbabwe earlier in the group stage, Pakistan’s fate is not in their hands any longer.

The Green Army can reach a maximum of six points if they beat the Bangla Tigers. India are already at six points, while South Africa if they beat the Netherlands, will reach 7 points. Thus, Pakistan will need a favour from Zimbabwe, because if the Proteas win, then the only way Pakistan can qualify for the semifinals, is if India loses its final group game.

Thus, Pakistan’s fate lies in the hands of Zimbabwe, the team who had earlier defeated them during the group stage.