World Cup 2023: Pakistan is still not out of the semifinal race. Check calculations and scenarios

Pakistan has now lost four matches in a straight after a one-wicket defeat to South Africa in Chennai, with three matches remaining until the semi-final round.

After losing four league matches in the ongoing World Cup event, there is a lot of speculation over whether Pakistan would make it to the semifinals. Pakistan lost a key match against South Africa on Friday, when the African squad defeated the Asian team by a devastating one-wicket margin. Pakistan needed the victory to advance to the semi-finals. However, analysts believe that everything is not lost. 

While Pakistan's position in the points table has not changed, the loss on Friday has reduced their prospects of progressing to the next round. They have only two wins - four points - after six games, with three games remaining.  

Pakistan has now lost four consecutive matches, the most recent being Friday's match against South Africa. According to the ICC World Cup's round-robin system, each team must play nine games in total, winning six of them in order to qualify for the top four. At the moment, Pakistan can only win a total of five games if it wins the next three. Even after that, there is a good likelihood of an early exit.

Pakistan's net run rate (-0.387) is also negative, indicating that huge wins are required to achieve a positive run rate. 

Pakistan may qualify if, and only if, 

According to India Today's calculations:

Australia loses three of their following four matches. Pakistan can qualify if Australia defeats New Zealand and loses their remaining three matches.

Australia will then have 8 points, whereas Pakistan will have 10 points after winning the next three matches.

If Australia loses two of their next four matches, Pakistan will have to rely on Net Run Rate to make it through.

Australia still has four games remaining against New Zealand (October 28), England (November 4), Afghanistan (November 7), and Bangladesh (November 11).

Pakistan may qualify if, and only if, 

For Pakistan to reach the semi-finals, New Zealand must lose all of their remaining matches, while Sri Lanka and Afghanistan must lose at least two of their next four. On November 4, Pakistan will meet New Zealand, and a big win might enhance Pakistan's run rate and score. If they beat New Zealand on November 4, New Zealand will have 8 points and Pakistan will have 10.

Australia (October 28), South Africa (November 1), Pakistan (November 4) and Sri Lanka (November 9) are the next opponents for New Zealand.