Pakistan’s equation (Photo: Getty Images)
Pakistan Scenario for U19 World Cup Semifinal: Pakistan team is in the race for the semi-finals. But, the big question is whether the Pak team will be able to win that race? The answer to this question will be officially confirmed only after their match against India on 1st February. But, from the equations that seem to be being formed even before that high voltage match, it does not seem that the Pakistan team will be able to reach the semi-finals of the Under-19 ODI World Cup 2026. Pakistan team is in Group 2 of Super Six, due to which the two teams that seem to be going ahead in the current equation are India and England.
What does the points table of Group 2 say?
Why India and England have better chances of reaching the semi-finals than Pakistan, just understand from the condition of the three teams in the points table of Group 2. When Team India entered the Super Six, it was at second position and England was at first position. But, with a big win over Zimbabwe by 200 plus runs in its very first match of Super Six, it not only overtook England and went to the number one position but also made the run rate much better than England and Pakistan.
In the points table of Group 2 of Under-19 World Cup 2026, after playing the first 3 matches, India is at number 1 with 6 points and a net run rate of 3.337. Like India, England also has 6 points after 3 matches but its net run rate of 1.989 is much less than India. Pakistan, which is still in the race for the semi-finals through some ifs and buts, has 4 points from 3 matches with 2 wins and 1 loss. At the same time, its run rate (1.484) is also much lower than India and England.
Now the situation of India and England is clear that both of them can easily reach the semi-finals by winning their respective matches. But, the path is difficult for Pakistan. Let us take a look at what could be the equations for the Pakistan team to reach the semi-finals.
What is the equation for Pakistan?
For Pakistan, first of all it is important that England loses to New Zealand in the next and last match of its Super Six. The England-New Zealand match is to be played on 30 January. Nothing will improve for Pakistan if this happens, it will just make the path a little easier. For him, the match against India on 1st February will still be a battle of one or the other. There is no question of defeat by India for Pakistan to go to the semi-finals. But the victory required should be so big that it will upset the points table of Group 2.
If you bat first against India…
For example, if India scores 250 runs while batting first, then Pakistan will have to chase that target with 25 or less overs left. If India sets a target of 300 runs, then Pakistan will have to finish the match with at least 22 overs left. If India scores 350 runs, then Pakistan will have to chase that target with at least 19 overs left.
If you bowled first against India…
Similarly, if Pakistan bats first then it will have to think about a big score in every situation. If Pakistan scores 250 runs then it will have to win that match by a margin of 118 or more runs. If Pakistan scores 300 runs, then its victory margin over India should be at least 96 runs. If Pakistan scores 350 runs then they will have to try to ensure that the margin of victory is 72 or more runs.
Will Pakistan be out of the semi-finals?
Overall, after looking at all the equations, the first conclusion is that Pakistan team seems to be out of the Under-19 ODI World Cup 2026. And, even if his car is seen passing ahead, the chances of which are negligible, then it would be a miracle. Because, for Pakistan, the question in the tournament is not just about victory but about a big victory.