Pakistan Knocked Out of World Cup 2023

England defeated Pakistan by 93 runs and knocked the Men in Green out of ICC World Cup 2023 on Saturday. Even if Pakistan won the match, it still would not have qualified for the semi-final after failing to achieve the target net run-rate (NRR) required for qualification to the semi-final in their last match against England.

Pakistan needed to restrict England to 100 runs to have been able to qualify for the semi-final, but since the latter went past and scored 337 runs, the Men in Green were knocked out of the tournament.

England managed to set a target of 338 runs on the scoreboard courtesy of their solid batting with Dawid Malan and Jonny Bairstow scoring 80 runs within 13 overs without a loss. Individually, the duo scored 31 and 59 runs, respectively.

Joe Root and Ben Stokes also managed to score 60 and 84 runs, respectively, allowing for England to set a respectable target for Pakistan. Buttler with 27 off 18 and Harry Brook with 30 off 17 also provided England with important runs late in the game.

Pakistan batting response was disappointing to begin with as Abdullah Shafique and Fakhar Zaman were dismissed within the first two overs with a score of 0 and 1, respectively. Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan managed 38 and 36 runs off 45 and 51 balls, while Saud Shakeel managed 29 runs only.

Salman Ali Agha was the top-scorer with 51 runs off 45 balls, while Shaheen Afridi managed 25 runs. Haris Rauf and Wasim Jr. smashed sixes in the end for a combined total of 53 runs, but it wasn’t enough for a win.

Pakistan have won four matches and lost five matches throughout the tournament, including today’s match and Babar Azam is now considering to step down from his role as team captain in white-ball cricket.

According to reports, the 29-year old has been seeking guidance from former PCB chairman Ramiz Raja and other people close to him and decision will be taken after he returns to Pakistan.