Pakistan officially eliminated, New Zealand set to face India in semi-final of ODI World Cup 2023

Pakistan is officially out of the ODI World Cup 2023, as they had to chase a near-impossible target of 338 runs in 6.2 overs in order to qualify for the semis. New Zealand will face India in the first semi-final, at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai on Wednesday. This is a repeat of the 2019 semi-final when the Kiwis had the upper hand against the Men in Blue as they failed to chase a target of 240 runs. The Men in Blue would love to take revenge over the Black Caps and qualify for the final since 2011. 

In the group stage, they faced each other when Rohit Sharma's side won the game by four wickets. Former India skipper Virat Kohli played a sensational knock of 95 runs at the HPCA stadium, Dharamsala. India chased down a target of 274 runs with two overs to spare. Ravindra Jadeja played a good knock of 39 runs and was unbeaten till the end. 

There were three teams in contention for the 4th spot but after Kane Williamson's side convincing win over Sri Lanka in the last game. The other two teams Afghanistan and Pakistan had to win their last match over a mammoth margin. The Men in Green have failed to qualify in for the second consecutive season for the knockouts. 

New Zealand qualifies in semi-final for back-to-back years

The Kiwis are one of the most consistent sides in the mega event. They have qualified in back-to-back finals in 2015 and 2019 respectively eventually losing both of them. In the previous edition, they were unfortunate as they were beaten by England on a boundary count. India have been in sensational form as they are yet to lose a game in the competition. They will face the Netherlands in the last game on Sunday at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium. 

In the other semi-final, South Africa will face five time champions Australia at the Eden Gardens, Kolkata. Both the teams have been in superb form in the tournament.