COLOMBO: Pakistan’s familiar reliance on net run rate calculations has resurfaced at the business end of the Twenty20 World Cup, offering them a slim chance of reaching the semi-finals.
A surprise England victory over New Zealand has kept Pakistan’s hopes alive, though their fate hinges on a daunting task against already-eliminated hosts Sri Lanka in Pallekele on Saturday.
New Zealand hold a commanding net run rate of 1.390 compared to Pakistan’s -0.461. To overhaul that deficit, Pakistan must either win by around 64 runs if batting first or chase down any Sri Lankan target in approximately 13.1 overs.
Such a scenario may demand a departure from Pakistan’s traditionally cautious middle-overs approach. Babar Azam has struggled to justify his place in the current T20I setup, while captain Salman Agha has also endured a lean tournament with the bat.
History offers little encouragement. Pakistan have never secured such a large win over a Full Member side at a T20 World Cup when batting first and have managed it only once while chasing, in 2009. Slower Sri Lankan surfaces and inconsistent form, including Saim Ayub’s struggles, further complicate matters.
With pride their only incentive, Sri Lanka will look to finish strongly. For Pakistan, however, even a faint chance may be enough motivation.
