‘Lock ’em up’: Wasim Akram’s advice to Babar Azam and co on how to qualify for the semifinals

Pakistan are all but out from the semifinal race after New Zealand beat Sri Lanka by five wickets on Thursday.

Pakistan’s captain Babar Azam, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Mohammad Wasim, Fakhar Zaman and others during a practice session ahead of the ICC Men's Cricket World Cup 2023 match between England and Pakistan, at the Eden Gardens, in Kolkata. (PTI)

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Former Pakistan captain Wasim Akram suggested a hilarious idea on how Babar Azam and co can still qualify for the semifinals.

Pakistan are all but out from the semifinal race after New Zealand beat Sri Lanka by five wickets on Thursday. Pakistan will lock horns against England in their last league match at the Eden Gardens on Saturday.

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“Mathematically it is still possible,” quips Wasim Akram on A Sports.

Also Read | World Cup 2023: India vs New Zealand in semifinal at Wankhede all but confirmed

“Pakistan should bat first against England and post runs, then lock the England team in the dressing room and get them timed out,” said Akram.

Wasim Akram’s co-panelist Misbah-ul-Haq said: “Lock them after the toss only.”

As it stands for Babar Azam and Co to qualify for the semis, if Pakistan bat first and score 300, they have to bowl England out for 13. If Pakistan bowl first and dismiss England for 50, they have to chase it in around 2.3 overs.

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As things stand, Pakistan have an NRR of 0.036 while the corresponding figure for Afghanistan is -0.338.

Afghanistan beating South Africa, who were blown away by India in their last encounter but have already made it to the semifinals, will be a big upset. Pakistan beating the defending champions is a plausible outcome, but England do have Champions Trophy qualification to play for.