Former Indian cricket legend Sourav Ganguly has expressed his desire for Pakistan to secure a spot in the semi-finals of the ICC ODI World Cup 2023 and potentially face off against India. Ganguly's sentiments come on the heels of India's remarkable performance, securing their position as the first team to qualify for the semi-finals after a convincing victory against Sri Lanka in Mumbai, followed by a triumph over second-placed South Africa.
Speaking to Sports Tak, Ganguly shared his anticipation for a high-stakes India vs. Pakistan semi-final, emphasizing the unparalleled excitement such a match would generate. As the battle for the fourth spot intensifies, with Australia's thrilling win against Afghanistan, Pakistan faces a crucial match against England on Saturday. To secure a semi-final berth, Pakistan must win decisively, hoping for a combination of a substantial victory and New Zealand's defeat against Sri Lanka.
"I want Pakistan to reach the semi-finals and play India. It can't be a bigger semi-final than that," Ganguly said.
The dynamics of India's semi-final matchup are contingent on their opponent, with potential venues and dates in flux. If India faces New Zealand or Afghanistan, the semi-final is slated for November 15 at Mumbai's Wankhede Stadium. However, should Pakistan qualify, the clash will take place at Kolkata's Eden Gardens on November 16. Ganguly, a former India captain, underscored the significance of this potential India vs. Pakistan encounter, labeling it as one of the primary reasons behind his fervent wish for Pakistan's progression.
Despite India's dominant run in the tournament, Ganguly refrains from jinxing their chances, acknowledging the unpredictability of sports. He commended India's outstanding cricket in the eight matches played and expressed optimism about their sustained performance. Ganguly conveyed the nation's collective joy with India's gameplay, emphasizing the team's apparent superiority over others.
In the race for the semi-final spot, New Zealand holds a slight edge over Afghanistan and Pakistan, courtesy of their higher net run rate (+0.398). A victory against Sri Lanka in Bengaluru would solidify New Zealand's position. Conversely, Pakistan must defeat England to secure advancement, while Afghanistan faces the daunting task of beating South Africa by a margin of 140 runs. The unfolding scenarios add a layer of suspense and excitement to the closing stages of the ICC ODI World Cup 2023.
(With agency inputs)
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