The race for a place in the World Cup semi-finals is hotting up, with all 10 sides still in contention for a top-four finish.
Hosts India look almost certain to make the last four, while South Africa, New Zealand and Australia currently occupy the remaining qualification positions.
But the chasing pack, even holders England, know a late run of results could see them make it through instead.
The top seven will also qualify for the 2025 Champions Trophy alongside hosts Pakistan, though eighth place will be enough if Pakistan seal a top-seven finish.
This what each team needs from their remaining games.
2023 Cricket World Cup table
| Team | Played | Won | Lost | Net run-rate | Points | Maximum points they can reach |
| India | 6 | 6 | 0 | 1.405 | 12 | 18 |
| South Africa | 6 | 5 | 1 | 2.032 | 10 | 16 |
| New Zealand | 6 | 4 | 2 | 1.232 | 8 | 14 |
| Australia | 6 | 4 | 2 | 0.970 | 8 | 14 |
| Sri Lanka | 5 | 2 | 3 | -0.205 | 4 | 12 |
| Pakistan | 6 | 2 | 4 | -0.387 | 4 | 10 |
| Afghanistan | 5 | 2 | 3 | -0.969 | 4 | 12 |
| Netherlands | 6 | 2 | 4 | -1.277 | 4 | 10 |
| Bangladesh | 6 | 1 | 5 | -1.338 | 2 | 8 |
| England | 6 | 1 | 5 | -1.652 | 2 | 8 |
Teams are split on points, then by number of wins and then net run-rate. Top four qualify for semi-finals.
India
- Current points: 12 Maximum points possible: 18
- India will guarantee a semi-final place if they win one of their remaining three matches.
- Verdict: Already have one foot in the last four and looking good to the whole way. A banker.
South Africa
- Current points:10 Maximum points possible: 16
- South Africa will guarantee a semi-final place with two wins from their final three matches.
- Verdict: Would be a big surprise if they failed to make the knockout phase from here. Nearly there.
New Zealand
- Current points: 8 Maximum points possible: 14
- To be sure of a semi-final spot New Zealand need to win their remaining three group games.
- Verdict: A few nerves but things are still in their favour. Should make it.
Australia
- Current points: 8 Maximum points possible: 14
- Australia will need three wins from their remaining three group games to be guaranteed of a place in the final four.
- Verdict: The momentum is with them to reach the last four after overcoming a sticky start. Should progress.
Sri Lanka
- Current points: 4 Maximum points possible: 12
- To reach the semi-finals they need at least two wins from their final four games, but that requires Australia and New Zealand to lose their remaining matches and them to improve their net run-rate.
- Verdict: Possibly the best hope of the chasing pack but they are still heavily reliant on results elsewhere going in their favour. A big ask.
Pakistan
- Current points: 4 Maximum points possible: 10
- Pakistan need at least two wins from their final three games, but that requires Australia and New Zealand to lose their remaining matches and them to improve their net run-rate.
- Verdict: Would realistically need others to implode and a specific combination of results. Highly unlikely.
Afghanistan
- Current points: 4 Maximum points possible: 12
- To make the semi-finals they need at least two wins from their final four games, but that requires Australia and New Zealand to lose their remaining matches and to improve their net run-rate.
- Verdict: Going to need something special to win against stronger teams on paper and still hope results elsewhere go their way. A big ask.
Netherlands
- Current points: 4 Maximum points possible: 10
- The associate nation need at least two wins from their remaining three matches, but that requires Australia and New Zealand to lose their remaining matches and to improve their net run-rate.
- Verdict: Would need to pull off a few shock wins and a specific set of results elsewhere go in their favour. Highly unlikely.
Bangladesh
- Current points: 2 Maximum points possible: 8
- To reach the semi-finals they need three wins from their remaining three matches while significantly improving their net run-rate and hoping for a freakish set of results elsewhere.
- Verdict: Chances practically over after losing to the Netherlands.
England
- Current points: 2 Maximum points possible: 8
- The World Cup holders need three wins from their remaining three matches while dramatically improving their run-rate and an extraordinary set of results elsewhere to reach the semi-finals.
- Verdict: Barely a hope with in-form Australia to come in their next match. Praying for a miracle.
