Pakistan’s comprehensive win over New Zealand has thrown open the 2019 World Cup, and kept alive the dream of Sarfaraz Ahmed and his men of making the semi-final, but Mushtaq Mohammed feels “Dilli abhi duur hai”.

“Not only must Pakistan beat Afghanistan, which will be a home Derby, and a strong Bangladesh, but pray that other results also fall their way. It’s far from ideal when you allow things to go out of your hand,” the Birmingham-based Mushtaq, a former captain of Pakistan, and a World Cupper himself, told The Telegraph on Friday evening.

Mushtaq added: “Today, as thing stand, Pakistan will literally have to come through the back door. Koi aasan nahin hai.”

While Australia have already qualified for the semi-final, the No.1-ranked India and New Zealand are almost there. Assuming both make it, the race will well and truly be on for the fourth qualifier.

Indeed, phir kaun banega aakhri semi-finalist? England or Bangladesh or Pakistan?

Sarfaraz Ahmed celebrates after taking the catch that dismissed South Africa's captain Faf du Plessis during their ICC Cricket World Cup match between Pakistan and South Africa at Lord's cricket ground in London, on June 23, 2019. (AP)

Looking ahead to Sunday’s India vs England match, Mushtaq said: “On paper, there may not be much difference between the teams, but England are definitely under pressure...

“Teams react to pressure in different ways, they either crumble or raise their game a couple of notches...

“It’s a real test for Eoin Morgan and Co. as plenty is on the line for England. It will be interesting to see how the match unfolds and how the hosts respond to the challenge...

“Under Virat Kohli, India have shown themselves to be adept at handling situations of pressure. In any case, they have three formidable batsmen at the top and a world-class bowling attack...

“The weather has been rather dry and, so, Yuzvendra Chahal and Kuldeep Yadav could have a very significant role at Edgbaston...

“All things being equal, the team which plays better across the 100 overs will take the two points. It’s not a cliché for, essentially, cricket is about keeping it simple and playing to one’s strengths...

“Aap ka apna game sahi rehna chahiye.”

Virat and the rest, meanwhile, reached Birmingham around 2.00 pm local time. An optional practice session has been scheduled for Saturday morning.