BENGALURU, India, Nov  9, 2023 (BSS/AFP) - New Zealand beat Sri Lanka by 
five wickets in their last league match on Thursday to all but book their 
semi-final spot at the World Cup.

   Afghanistan and Pakistan remain in the race for the remaining final-four 
spot with one match left but need improbable winning margins.

   Table-toppers India, South Africa and Australia have already booked their 
places in the final-four of the 10-team tournament.
       
   AFP Sport takes a look at qualification scenarios needed to become the 
fourth semi-finalist.
       
   - New Zealand -
       
   Played: 9, Points: 10, Net run-rate: 0.743
       
   Runners-up in the previous two editions, New Zealand can now only wait for 
Pakistan and Afghanistan to finish their league stage.
       
   But barring a miracle the Kiwis are set to face India in the first 
semi-final in Mumbai on November 15.
       
   - Pakistan -
    
   Played: 8, Points: 8, Net run-rate: 0.036
   Remaining match: v England (in Kolkata on Saturday)
   The 1992 champions have to win their final match by at least 287 runs.
       
   - Afghanistan -
   Played: 8, Points: 8, Net run-rate: -0.338
   Remaining match: v South Africa (in Ahmedabad on Friday)
       
   Afghanistan need to win by at least 438 runs to surpass New Zealand on net 
run-rate. 

   The Afghans also have the worst run-rate among the three teams.