ICC ODI World Cup 2023: How can we have an India vs Pakistan semifinal?

India and Pakistan have played each other once in the tournament so far, a game that saw the Men in Blue win by seven wickets.

The business end of the 2023 ICC ODI World Cup is almost upon us as teams look to seal their place in the semifinal stage of the tournament.

The one team which does not have as big a headache as others to make it to the last four stage of the tournament is India, who are currently unbeaten and second on the points table and will look to confirm their place in the semifinals with a win over Sri Lanka in Mumbai on Thursday.

As things stand, South Africa, New Zealand and Australia find themselves in first, third and fourth positions respectively on the points table with two games left in the group stage.

While fans will hope that the best four teams make it to the semifinals, a corner of their hearts would also wish that Pakistan scrape their way through into the top four and convert the dream of an India-Pakistan semifinal at Eden Gardens in Kolkata, into reality.

So that begs the million dollar question: How can India and Pakistan take on each other in the semifinal of the 2023 ICC ODI World Cup?

For starters, Pakistan, who are currently in fifth place on the points table with six points in seven matches, need to win their remaining two fixtures against New Zealand and England. That will take them to 10 points and keep them in contention.

If the Men in Green lose to New Zealand on Saturday, they will need Australia to lose all their remaining matches. They would also need results in matches involving Afghanistan and Sri Lanka to go their way.

Babar Azam's side will want Afghanistan, currently with six points in six games, to win only one of their remaining three games and Sri Lanka to beat New Zealand in their group stage clash in Bengaluru on November 9.

If Pakistan win both their remaining games and Afghanistan win two out of their three remaining matches, then both teams will find themselves on 10 points and only one of them can qualify, depending on who has a superior net run-rate.

If India win their remaining three matches, that will take them to 18 points on the table and put them on pole position, before the semifinals. If Pakistan win their remaining two matches, they will have 10 points and would qualify in fourth place if their run-rate is better than other contenders.

In such a case, fans will get to see the dream India vs Pakistan semifinal at Eden Gardens on November 16.