Pakistan is closer to World Cup elimination after New Zealand thrashed Sri Lanka by 5 wickets in the 41st match at the M.Chinnaswamy Stadium, Bengaluru, on Thursday.

Pakistan desperately needed Sri Lanka to secure victory against New Zealand, but that was not the outcome of the match.

The Kiwis hammered the Islanders, chasing down the 172-run target in just 23.2 overs.

India, South Africa, and Australia have already booked their place in the mega event’s semi-final.

Today’s crucial victory left New Zealand on 10 points and in pole position to bag the last semi-final spot.

Seemingly, New Zealand, Afghanistan, and Pakistan — are fighting for the one vacant position.

However, technically, Pakistan’s World Cup outing is over.

To reach into semifinals, Pakistan now requires to beat England at the Eden Gardens on Saturday by an unattainable margin of around 287 runs while batting 1st or by about 284 balls to spare while chasing. Which seems like impossible.

The Black Caps’ crucial win has made Pakistan’s path to the World Cup nearly impossible as they now require a massive win over England in their last match in Kolkata on November 11 to leapfrog New Zealand on net run rate.

While England needs a win to ensure their qualification for the 2025 Champions Trophy.

ICC World Cup 2023 points table after New Zealand vs Sri Lanka