Pakistan is gearing up for a crucial World Cup clash against New Zealand on November 4, but the match faces a significant threat due to predicted stormy conditions in Bengaluru. The weather forecast suggests that thunderstorms could impact the World Cup 2023 encounter, with a 68% chance of rain, potentially leading to a washout.
If the match gets washed out, Afghanistan, following their victory over the Netherlands, would gain an advantage in the race for the semi-finals, as they still have two games in hand. The outcome would also have implications for South Africa and Australia, who are closely watching the match.
On November 3, heavy rainfall was experienced in the city, and the AccuWeather forecast doesn’t offer much hope, with thunderstorms anticipated at crucial times throughout November 4. With persistent overcast conditions, the prospects of uninterrupted play appear slim, creating uncertainty around the game’s progression.
For Pakistan, who currently have six points, the stakes are high. A washout would grant them one point, equalizing New Zealand’s total to nine points and complicating their path to the semi-finals. Pakistan would then need to win their final league game against England and rely on other teams, including New Zealand suffering a significant defeat at the hands of Sri Lanka, along with favorable outcomes from Australia’s remaining matches.
Meanwhile, Afghanistan stands to benefit from the disrupted match, having secured eight points with two more games to go. If the New Zealand-Pakistan match yields no result, Afghanistan could move into the semi-finals by winning their upcoming fixtures against Australia and South Africa, reaching a secure 12 points.
The impact of the Bengaluru weather could also affect other teams. South Africa might advance comfortably before their last two matches if only two teams can surpass the 12-point threshold. Australia, facing England at the same time, could proceed without needing to calculate net run rates, given that New Zealand’s potential maximum of 11 points after a washout would be less than Australia’s prospective tally of 12, even with a defeat to England.
