Perth: In the Super 12 match of the T20 World Cup played at the Perth Stadium, Zimbabwe created panic by defeating Pakistan (PAK vs ZIM) by 1 run. In reply to Zimbabwe’s 130 for eight, Pakistan could manage only 129 runs in 20 overs for the loss of eight wickets. This is the second consecutive defeat for the Pakistan team and it has had a profound effect on their chances of going to the semi-finals. Shan Masood (44) and Mohammad Nawaz (22) scored the highest runs for Pakistan. At the same time, Sikandar Raza took three wickets and Brad Evans took two wickets for Zimbabwe.
Difficult road ahead for Pakistan
This is Pakistan’s second defeat in two matches. In such a situation, it has become difficult for him to reach the semi-finals. Pakistan is yet to play Netherlands, South Africa and Bangladesh. If Pakistan gets victory in all these three matches then it will have only 6 points. After two matches, India have 4 points each and South Africa and Zimbabwe have three points each. South Africa are yet to play the Netherlands, Pakistan and India.
With Pakistan winning all their three matches, expect South Africa to lose two matches. If this happens, then only Pakistan will have the hope of going to the semi-finals. Bangladesh have 2 points in 2 matches. Pakistan would like Bangladesh not to win more than one match. If he wins two matches then the whole game will be run rate dependent.
Zimbabwe still have three matches to play. If Pakistan wants to reach the semi-finals, then Zimbabwe will not have to win more than one match. Pakistan will also have to pray that it does not rain in any of their matches.
India’s place almost certain
Indian team has 4 points in two matches. Apart from South Africa, the team is yet to play Zimbabwe and Bangladesh. If India wins even two of these matches, then it will easily reach the semi-finals. Looking at the current form, it is not difficult for the Indian team to win two matches. In such a situation, the place of the team in the semi-finals looks confirmed.