Pak vs Eng: Haris Rauf injury update befor World Cup clash

Pakistani fast bowler Haris Rauf underwent a medical examination for a possible rib injury. This occurred as the Pak vs Eng prepared to face in the 44th match of the ICC World Cup 2023 at Eden Gardens, Kolkata, India, on November 11.

Rauf visited a local hospital in Kolkata after expressing discomfort in his ribs.

The 30-year-old had to leave the field during New Zealand’s innings after conceding 85 runs in 10 overs. Additionally, another Pakistani player, Shadab Khan, who suffered a concussion during a match against South Africa in Chennai, hasn’t played in a game, and his participation in the upcoming match for the Men in Green remains uncertain.

It’s important to note that Pakistan’s path to the World Cup semi-finals remains challenging because their fate is not entirely within their control. The Babar Azam-led unit faces a must-win match against England on November 11 in Kolkata.

However, the outcome is likely to be determined before that, as the two teams Pakistan depends on, Afghanistan and New Zealand, will have completed their remaining matches by then.

First, Afghanistan faces two tough matches against Australia and South Africa on November 7 and November 10, respectively. If Afghanistan wins both matches, they will qualify directly with 12 points, surpassing New Zealand and Pakistan.

Check ICC World Cup Points Table 2023 Update

However, Pakistan’s direct competition is with New Zealand. Both teams have one more match to play, but New Zealand has the advantage in terms of net run rate (NRR). New Zealand plays against struggling Sri Lanka on November 9 in Bengaluru. New Zealand is currently ranked fourth with an NRR of 0.398, while Pakistan is fifth with an NRR of 0.036.

Pakistan Qualification Scenario:

1. If New Zealand beats Sri Lanka by 50 runs, Pakistan will have to beat England by 180 runs.
2.  If New Zealand beats Sri Lanka by 1 run, Pakistan will have to beat England by 131 runs.
3.  If Sri Lanka beats New Zealand, Pakistan will only need to beat England to qualify.

Please note that this scenario is applicable only if Afghanistan loses both of its remaining matches.

India and South Africa have already secured their spots in the World Cup semi-finals, and Australia is likely to be the next team to qualify. Australia is currently ranked third with 10 points, and they have two more matches to play against Afghanistan and Bangladesh. A win in any of these matches will secure their place in the knockout stage.