World Cup 2023: They can reach but it will be a one-sided affair – Mohammad Kaif on Pakistan playing India in semis

Former Indian batter Mohammad Kaif feels Pakistan can reach the semifinal but it will be a one-sided affair if they take on India. Earlier in the tournament, India bested their arch-rivals comprehensively by seven wickets at the Narendra Modi Stadium, Ahmedabad.

Meanwhile, Pakistan will need to beat defending champions England by a huge margin in order to qualify for the last four. New Zealand will take on Sri Lanka in their last match and the Kiwis have a better chance to make it to the semis as they have a superior NRR than Pakistan. However, rain is expected to play spoilsport in Bengaluru as scattered thunderstorms are expected in the city for the match between New Zealand and Sri Lanka.

Ergo, if New Zealand and Sri Lanka match gets washed out, Pakistan will have to only beat England in order to qualify for the semis given Afghanistan loses its last two matches.

Mohammad Kaif said on Star Sports, “They can reach but it will be a one-sided affair. I am opening the pages of history, what has happened. India have defeated them easily. However, Pakistan have the chance. If they play a good match and defeat England, the net-run-rate issue will be there, so they can reach there with a big win.”

“I am keeping my eyes on Afghanistan. They have two tough matches but Australia and South Africa have a challenge in front of them. I feel it will not be easy for South Africa and Australia to beat Afghanistan.”

Former Indian all-rounder Sanjay Bangar said that Pakistan is highly unpredictable. In fact, Pakistan qualified for the 2022 T20 World Cup semifinals after the Netherlands stunned South Africa.

“They have regularly been in similar situations in previous World Cups. You can see the 2022 T20 World Cup or the 1992 World Cup, they qualified like this only. They are an extremely unpredictable team.”

Fakhar Zaman has definitely added more power to Pakistan’s batting in the last two matches as he has played at the top of his game.

“Fakhar Zaman has brought the six-hitting angle, the power player Pakistan were missing. Due to that, a lot of pressure has been released from Mohammad Rizwan, Iftikhar Ahmed, and Babar Azam. So Fakhar Zaman coming and playing impactful knocks is a great sign for them.”

Pakistan will take on England at the Eden Gardens, Kolkata on Saturday.