In the Cricket World Cup Semifinal Standings Benchmark

 Sri Lanka finds themselves in a precarious situation with just four points from six games of the Cricket World Cup. A position shared with Pakistan and the Netherlands. While the odds appear stacked against them, there's a mathematical glimmer of hope. It's conceivable that two teams could finish with 12 or more points, and up to seven teams could be vying for two remaining spots with eight points.

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Sri Lanka, though facing an uphill battle, can still accumulate 10 points, keeping them in contention. However, given their inconsistent performance thus far and the formidable opponents of India and New Zealand in three of their remaining matches. Their chances of progressing to the CWC semifinals appear exceedingly slim.

On the other hand, Afghanistan's recent triumph was orchestrated by their bowlers. Who effectively stifled Sri Lanka's batters on a pitch seemingly tailored for high scores. Subsequently, Afghanistan's batsmen chased down the target without much difficulty.

What Lies Ahead for Pakistan in Their Game Against Bangladesh?

Pakistan's campaign in the Cricket World Cup has been lackluster. But mathematically, they remain in the hunt for a top-four finish, or even third place. If other results align favorably. While they cannot catch up to India's 12 points. The scenario could come down to run rates if New Zealand, South Africa, or Australia fail to exceed 10 points in the coming matches. Even if Pakistan faces defeat, they could still be part of the intense eight-point competition mentioned earlier.

Is 14 Points the Magic Number for Semifinal Qualification?

Indeed, a tally of 14 points is sufficient for qualification. Only India, South Africa, New Zealand, and Australia have the potential to secure 14 or more points. Therefore, a victory against Sri Lanka on Thursday would secure India's spot in the Cricket World Cup semifinals.

In a Cricket World Cup: Afghanistan's Victory Boosts Their Top-Four Prospects

How Does Afghanistan's Recent Victory Impact Their Top-Four Aspirations? Afghanistan's triumph over Sri Lanka has propelled them to six points from six games in the Cricket World Cup. If they manage to win their three remaining matches. They will reach a total of 12 points. With only four other teams capable of attaining 12 points or more. Afghanistan stands a credible chance of securing a top-four spot. Nevertheless, their path is fraught with challenges. Their upcoming matches include the Netherlands, Australia, and South Africa. Even accumulating 10 points could potentially keep their hopes alive if favorable outcomes materialize.

It's worth noting that Afghanistan's current net run rate of -0.718 may work against them if NRR becomes the deciding factor. The teams currently in the top four all maintain NRRs of over 0.95.

The backdrop for this game was established from the start, as Sri Lanka, opted to bat first. Displayed a discernible sense of uncertainty, a departure from their previous five matches. This transformation could be attributed to the tantalizing opportunity of a Cricket World Cup semifinal berth. No matter how improbable, it is within reach. Sri Lanka had shed their inhibitions in an improbable chase against South Africa, and that newfound aggressive intent carried forward into their subsequent encounter against Pakistan. Even against Australia, they exuded confidence until an unforeseen collapse halted their momentum.

Perhaps it was this potential Cricket World Cup semifinal scenario that prompted Sri Lanka to adopt a more conservative approach. However, a discernible shift in intent was not evident in matches against the Netherlands and England, where the context called for caution rather than aggression in a pair of middling chases.

Pitching Fear Against Afghanistan In CWC: Sri Lanka's Bold Decision                                                                                                      

Against Afghanistan in the Cricket World Cup. On a pitch touted as a "batter's paradise" during the pitch report, the decision to include Dimuth Karunaratne exposed Sri Lanka's apprehensions. While Kusal Perera's performance had been lackluster. Except for his 78 against Australia, this particular surface could have potentially addressed his batting woes. Instead, Sri Lanka found themselves frustrated as his replacement, Karunaratne, grappled with a series of short and wide deliveries on either side of the wicket. These were rare loose deliveries within otherwise disciplined opening spells by Fazalhaq Farooqi and Mujeeb Ur Rahman. Sri Lanka managed a mere four boundaries in the initial ten overs. Marking their lowest score at this stage in the entire CWC tournament.

Throughout the Cricket World Cup innings. Here lack of ambition was evident as they sporadically reached a run rate of five per over. Falling short of the more common sixes and sevens seen in the CWC tournament. Their cautious approach during the middle overs sharply contrasted with their aggressive approach in the initial games against South Africa and Pakistan.

Consequently, when Afghanistan's bowlers delivered their quality deliveries. Sri Lanka's batsmen were ill-prepared to capitalize on these opportunities. Karunaratne was the first to depart, falling victim to an LBW decision from a delivery that darted in from Farooqi. This call was overturned upon review. A partnership of 62 runs between Nissanka and Mendis followed.

But their momentum was halted when Omarzai delivered a back-of-length delivery outside off. Inducing Nissanka to edge the ball to Gurbaz behind the stumps. This marked the end of Nissanka's streak of fifty-plus scores. Gurbaz was temporarily filling in for Ikram Alikhil. Who was off the field receiving treatment for a dislocated finger on his right hand, sustained while keeping.

In the Cricket World Cup 2023: A Plan by Jonathan Trott

In a rather curious turn of events, both Sri Lanka and Afghanistan. Despite being presented with a true surface lacking lateral movement and substantial turn. Struggled to maintain a scoring rate exceeding five runs per over. However, the reasons behind their struggles differed significantly.

Sri Lanka's lack of intent and ambition during their CWC innings could be criticized. Leaving their performance open to scrutiny. On the other hand, Afghanistan was executing a predetermined plan laid out by head coach Jonathan Trott. Throughout the Cricket World Cup innings, television cameras often panned over Trott's whiteboard. Displaying 10-over markers such as (50 after 10" and "100 after 20).

While Dilshan Madushanka managed to dislodge Rahmanullah Gurbaz's middle stump early in the chase. Afghanistan adhered meticulously to its game plan. Even when wickets fell. They swiftly extinguished any momentum Sri Lanka hoped to build. Crucial partnerships of 73, 58, and 111 runs between Ibrahim Zadran and Shah, Shah, and Shahidi, and Shahidi and Omarzai formed the backbone of Afghanistan's chase. Boundaries were not aggressively pursued; rather, they were accepted when offered. Demonstrating their contentment to wait for loose deliveries without taking unnecessary risks.

Conversely, Sri Lanka appeared increasingly dispirited as the innings progressed. Running out of ideas and energy on a surface that provided them with no advantages. Their struggles continued against Afghanistan, a team equally unyielding in their approach.

Before this fixture, Afghanistan had achieved their most successful Cricket World Cup campaign in the fifty-over format. Although their previous performances had set a low bar. In their two previous appearances, they had secured just one victory and suffered defeats in all nine matches during the 2019 edition. The sole win came against Scotland in 2015.

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