If you’re following the Cricket World Cup, you probably already know that Team Australia is leading the points table with 14 points. The Men in Blue aren’t far behind with 13 points. England and New Zealand are currently rounding off the top 4 with 12 and 11 points respectively. Unfortunately for our neighbouring team of Pakistan (9 points), there is little to no scope for a place in the tournament’s semifinals. Only a miracle can help the cricketers qualify (because Net Run Rate).
But that didn’t stop people on the internet from figuring out exactly what was needed for a semifinal position. Here’s the mathematics involved.
For Pakistan to qualify,
Score 308 runs, beat Ban by 308 runs
Score 350 runs, beat Ban by 312 runs
Score 400 runs, beat Ban by 316 runs
Score 450 runs, beat Ban by 321 runsIf they bat second, they are automatically eliminated.#ENGvNZ
— Umang Pabari (@UPStatsman) July 3, 2019
All is not yet lost for Pakistan. They need to bat first, score 400 and restrict Bangladesh to 84.
Batting second, they don't stand a chance.#ENGvNZ #NZvENG #CWC19— Rajneesh Gupta (@rgcricket) July 3, 2019
Those are some pretty high stakes and extremely slim chances, don’t you think? Pakistan and Bangladesh are set to face off against each other today at Lord’s. The toss will take place at 2.30 pm and that is when the fate of the Men in Green will be decided.
When cricket fans shared these exact calculations, netizens were quick to see the humour in the situation and post hilarious jokes and memes. Here are some of the best ones.
If Bangladesh team doesn’t show up for the match, will Pakistan team able to qualify for the semis? just looking for possibilities #ICC #Cricket #WorldCup #Pakistan #bangladesh
— Anshaal (@AnshalKhawar) July 3, 2019
Calculation Process of chances of #PakistanCricket team in semi-final of #CWC19 by pakistani fans prior to #PAKvBAN match pic.twitter.com/xugirmK3df
— Kulwant Singh (@_KulwantDSingh) July 4, 2019
me trying to calculate if Pakistan can still get through to the semi-final
pic.twitter.com/xqhPtI4MJI— 👨🏾🚀 (@_dcnszn) July 3, 2019
Here’s how’s Pakistan can get into the semis:
If Pakistan bats first, scores 400+ runs and then lock Bangladesh team up in the dressing room.#PakvBan #EngvNZ #cwc2019
— Maz Bonafide (@MazBONAFIDE) July 3, 2019
Done more maths. Pakistan have to bat first and score a minimum of 308. If they score 308 they have to bowl Bangladesh out for 0. GAME ON. NET RUN RATE ZINDABAD! #PAKvBAN #BANvPAK #CWC19 pic.twitter.com/CHDx3q2UpU
— Iceland Cricket (@icelandcricket) July 3, 2019
Pakistan trying to enter semi final 😂#pakvban pic.twitter.com/r0kwYBLTY1
— Ayesha Farooq (@Sirf_Aashi) July 4, 2019
Every Pakistani fan right now: #cwc19 #PakvBan #WeHaveWeHill 🇵🇰 pic.twitter.com/MEt8HCtwEw
— The Rupee Room ❼ (@VikramBarhat) July 3, 2019
https://twitter.com/BollywoodGandu/status/1146977968113082370
#PAKvBAN sarfarz: we trying to give 500 target pic.twitter.com/0lQxd9Awjl
— Nabeel Amin (@nabeelaly20201) July 4, 2019
What if Pakistan makes 1000 runs and beg Bangladesh not to chase and declare Pakistan as a winner. Can we then enter into semis.
— Abhishek Kashyap (@Abhishek9183384) July 3, 2019
Pakistan and Bangladesh thinking whether they should play their useless match or not #CWC19 p pic.twitter.com/SPPyxVk3pV
— Faad Dunga BC (@naalaYUCK) July 3, 2019
So, are you going to be watching Pakistan vs. Bangladesh today? Or will you watch Spiderman: Far From Home instead and wait until Tuesday to see the first semifinal clash? Tell us.