Can Afghanistan still make it to the World Cup semi-final against India?

Afghanistan has inarguably been the most exciting team in this World Cup 2023. After edging the World Champions; England, Pakistan and Sri Lanka in group-stage matches, the side played some splendid cricket against Australia on November 7 but lost the match.

The heroic innings of Glenn Maxwell who smashed 201 off 128 balls, snatched the game away from Afghanistan who were looking good to win the match. As a result, Afghanistan’s prospects of making it to the semis, received a blow as they missed out two points.

Now, the question is, will Afghanistan still be able to make it to the semi-finals?

How can Afghanistan qualify for the semis?

• Afghanistan are currently placed at the number six spot on the points table with 8 points.
• For the number-fourth spot, there are two other teams in contention right now: Pakistan and New Zealand.
• Had Afghanistan won the match against Australia, it would have reached the 4th spot with 10 points.
• Since it didn't, to make it to the semis now, Afghanistan needs to win the game against South Africa on Friday, November 10 at the Narendra Modi Stadium. 
• Further, New Zealand will have to lose the match against Sri Lanka today at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium and then Pakistan will also have to lose against England on November 12 at the Eden Gardens.
• Afghanistan’s net-run rate of -0.338 is low compared to Pakistan and New Zealand and if the qualification comes down to net-run-rate, Afghanistan might have a disadvantage, in case of a tie.
• If Afghanistan somehow reaches the semi-final, it is expected to face India in the semi-final on November 15 at the Wankhede Stadium.

The match against South Africa will certainly be a do-or-die game for Afghanistan.

Also read: Why Indians love the Afghanistan cricket team?

Read: 9 records Glen Maxwell smashed in Australia vs Afghanistan World Cup 2023 match

Read: How Ajay Jadeja and Jonathan Trott were selected for coaching the Afghanistan cricket team