Who will make it to the ICC Men's World Cup 2023 semi-finals
The ICC Men's Cricket World Cup 2023 is in full swing, with nine teams still in contention for the four semi-final spots. The tournament, which is being held in India, has seen some thrilling matches, high-scoring innings, and stunning performances from the players. With only a few matches left in the group stage, let's take a look at the probable semi-finalists and the chances of the other teams to cause an upset.
## The favorites
According to the current standings, India, South Africa, New Zealand, and Australia are the top four teams in the points table, with India being the only unbeaten team so far. These four teams have shown consistent form and have a strong batting and bowling lineup. They are likely to maintain their positions and qualify for the semi-finals, unless they suffer a major collapse in their remaining matches.
**INDIA**
The hosts have been dominant in the tournament, winning all their six matches with ease. Led by Rohit Sharma, who has scored the most sixes[^2^][2] in the tournament (20), India have a formidable batting order that includes Virat Kohli, KL Rahul, Rishabh Pant, and Hardik Pandya. Their bowling attack is equally impressive, with Jasprit Bumrah leading the wicket-takers' list with 14 scalps. India have also been excellent in the field, taking the most catches as a team (32). India will face Sri Lanka and England in their last two matches, and they will be confident of maintaining their winning streak.
**SOUTH AFRICA**
The Proteas have bounced back from their opening loss to England and have won five matches in a row. They have been led by Quinton de Kock, who has scored the most runs in the tournament (431), including a brilliant 174 against Pakistan. He has been well supported by Aiden Markram, Heinrich Klaasen, and Rassie van der Dussen. Their bowling has been spearheaded by Marco Jansen, who has taken 13 wickets, and Adam Zampa, who has been economical and effective with his leg-spin. South Africa have also posted the highest innings score in the tournament (428/5) against Bangladesh. South Africa will face New Zealand and Afghanistan in their last two matches, and they will be hoping to continue their momentum
.
**NEW ZEALAND**
The Black Caps have been consistent and clinical in their performances, winning four out of their six matches. Their only losses came against India and South Africa, who are also in the top four. New Zealand have a balanced team that can adapt to any conditions. Their batting has been led by Rachin Ravindra, who has scored 406 runs, including a century against Australia. He has been ably assisted by Devon Conway, Kane Williamson, and Ross Taylor. Their bowling has been superb, with Mitchell Santner taking 14 wickets with his left-arm spin and Trent Boult providing pace and swing. New Zealand will face Pakistan and Netherlands in their last two matches, and they will be aiming to seal their semi-final berth.
**AUSTRALIA**
The Aussies have also won four out of their six matches, losing only to India and South Africa. They have a powerful batting lineup that features David Warner, who has scored 413 runs, including a stunning 163 against Netherlands. He has been complemented by Marnus Labuschagne, Steve Smith, Glenn Maxwell, and Travis Head. Their bowling has been led by Adam Zampa, who has taken 16 wickets, the joint-highest in the tournament. He has been supported by Mitchell Starc, Pat Cummins, and Josh Hazlewood. Australia will face Afghanistan and Sri Lanka in their last two matches, and they will be looking to secure their semi-final spot.
## The challengers
Among the other teams that are still in contention for the semi-finals are Pakistan, Afghanistan, Sri Lanka, and Netherlands. These teams have shown glimpses of brilliance but have also been inconsistent and unpredictable. They will need to win all their remaining matches and hope for some favorable results from the other matches to make it to the top four.
**PAKISTAN**
The Men in Green have won three out of their seven matches, losing four. They have been erratic in their performances, beating Sri Lanka and Bangladesh convincingly but losing to India and Australia by huge margins. Their batting has been dependent on Mohammad Rizwan, who has scored 359 runs, including a century against England. He has not received much support from his teammates, except for Babar Azam and Fakhar Zaman. Their bowling has been led by Shaheen Afridi, who has taken 16 wickets, the joint-highest in the tournament. He has been the lone bright spot in their bowling, which has been expensive and ineffective. Pakistan have no more matches left in the group stage, and they will have to hope that the other teams lose their matches and their net run rate improves.
**AFGHANISTAN**
The Afghans have won three out of their six matches, losing three. They have been impressive in their victories, beating England, Bangladesh, and Pakistan. They have a strong batting lineup that includes Mohammad Shahzad, Rahmat Shah, Hashmatullah Shahidi, and Mohammad Nabi. Their bowling has been their main strength, with Rashid Khan, Mujeeb Ur Rahman, and Naveen-ul-Haq forming a potent spin trio. They have also been excellent in the field, taking some stunning catches and effecting some brilliant run-outs. Afghanistan will face Australia and South Africa in their last two matches, and they will have to pull off some upsets to make it to the semi-finals.
**SRI LANKA**
The Islanders have won two out of their six matches, losing four. They have been inconsistent in their performances, beating Netherlands and Bangladesh but losing to Pakistan, Afghanistan, Australia, and New Zealand. Their batting has been led by Kusal Mendis, who has scored 318 runs, including a century against Netherlands. He has been supported by Sadeera Samarawickrama, Kusal Perera, and Dhananjaya de Silva. Their bowling has been spearheaded by Dilshan Madushanka, who has taken 13 wickets with his medium pace. He has been backed by Wanindu Hasaranga, Dushmantha Chameera, and Lasith Malinga. Sri Lanka will face India and Australia in their last two matches, and they will have to win both and hope for some luck to make it to the semi-finals.
**NETHERLANDS**
The Dutch have also won two out of their six matches, losing four. They have been surprising in their victories, beating South Africa and England. They have a talented batting lineup that includes Max O'Dowd, Ben Cooper, Ryan ten Doeschate, and Scott Edwards. Their bowling has been led by Paul van Meekeren, who has taken 11 wickets with his fast bowling. He has been assisted by Timm van der Gugten, Pieter Seelaar, and Roelof van der Merwe. Netherlands will face New Zealand and Bangladesh in their last two matches, and they will have to win both and improve their net run rate to make it to the semi-finals.
## The conclusion
The ICC Men's Cricket World Cup 2023 is heading towards an exciting climax, with four teams almost certain to make it to the semi-finals and four teams still hoping for a miracle. The fans can expect some thrilling matches, high-quality cricket, and nail-biting finishes in the coming days. Who will lift the trophy on 19 November at Ahmedabad? Only time will tell.