The Black Caps are a near-certainty for the World Cup semifinals despite their big loss to England. Photo: Getty ImagesA cricketing miracle is required for the Black Caps to miss out on the semifinals at the Cricket World Cup. Pakistan can draw level on points with New Zealand a win over Bangladesh on Friday, but the Black Caps currently hold a net run rate of 0.175, while Pakistan are on -0.792. All of those margins would double as the biggest win in ODI history – which is currently the Black Caps' 290-run win over Ireland in 2008 - while Pakistan's biggest ODI victory is a 255-run victory, also over Ireland, in 2016. So – get ready to watch the Black Caps play in Manchester on Tuesday – against either Australia or India, with their opponent still to be confirmed in the final group games.

Source: Otago Daily Times July 03, 2019 20:15 UTC