ICC World Cup 2019 | Pakistan can only pray for lightning to strike Bangladesh, jokes Mohammad Yousuf
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Mohammed Yousuf has joked that only if lightning strikes the Bangladesh team, then only Pakistan can qualify for the semifinals as beating the Asian nation by 316 runs is not possible. Now, the qualification scenario has become almost impossible for Pakistan after England’s victory over New Zealand.
Although New Zealand suffered three games in a trot, they are currently two points ahead of fifth-place Pakistan, who will play Bangladesh on Friday. However, they are almost certain to be ousted as the equation for their qualification is blasphemous to say the least. Pakistan need to bat first and beat Bangladesh by a margin of over 300 runs in their final group game to stand a chance of advancing to the knockouts.
"Pakistan is already out there are no doubts about it. But what if lightning strikes the Bangladesh team so that they are not able to play anymore or fall down. Or they become unfit all of a sudden. What if we have to chase just 10 runs in 1 over, if such a situation arises only then can we qualify,” Mohammad Yousuf joked on a local news channel in Pakistan.
"The current scenario is very difficult. Even if you're playing against a lowly-ranked side, winning by 316 runs against them is not going to be easy. Otherwise, we can only pray for the lightning to strike the opposition team.”
If Pakistan bat first and need to beat Bangladesh by at least 311 runs if they post 350 on the board, or beat them by 316 runs if they post 400 or win by 321 runs if they manage a total of 450 runs.
