World Cup 2023: Who will join India in the semi-finals?

India defeated Sri Lanka by a score of 302 runs in Mumbai to become the first side to go to the semifinals of the Cricket World Cup. India leads the tournament with 14 points after winning seven of their last seven games, putting them in complete control of their fate. India will finish in the top four to secure a ticket to the knockout stages, even if they lose their next two games against South Africa and the Netherlands.

A record win at Wankhede helps India qualify for the semi-final stage of the #CWC23 🎇#INDvSL📝: https://t.co/BtA9m9MDWT pic.twitter.com/e5aTueJHls

— ICC (@ICC) November 2, 2023

Is Sri Lanka out of the World Cup in 2023?

In terms of math, no. However, following the loss, their net run rate decreased from -0.275 to -0.653, which hurts their prospects even if both teams end with an identical 8 points. Bangladesh and New Zealand remain for Sri Lanka to play.

What about the rest of them?

Now that Sri Lanka can achieve a best-of-eight-point total, up to five teams can finish with ten points. Pakistan will end up with ten points if they win their final two games, which they play against New Zealand and England. And if they defeat Sri Lanka, so will New Zealand.

Australia intends to surpass the 10-point safety threshold. With eight points from six games thus far, they can climb to 14 points and place in the top three. Australia will give Afghanistan and the Netherlands an opportunity to catch up if they win just one. Even so, Afghanistan would still need to defeat India, which is undefeated, twice in three games and the Netherlands once to win all three.

Also read: Kiwi Pacer Matt Henry ruled out of ICC Men’s CWC 2023

The Netherlands, Pakistan, Afghanistan, and New Zealand are in close competition for fourth place. Despite appearing ready to advance, New Zealand has lost three of their last four games. If they manage to regain it, they will advance to 12 points in order to defeat Sri Lanka and Pakistan.