Pakistan faces a challenging situation after England defeated them by 2 wickets in Pallekele, allowing England to secure a semifinals spot in Group 2 of the T20 World Cup 2026 Super 8. This puts Pakistan in a difficult position as they aim for the second semifinal spot. Additionally, Sri Lanka lost decisively to New Zealand on Wednesday.
Pakistan’s Path to T20 World Cup 2026 Semifinals
It is not easy for Pakistan to qualify now. They must win their final match against Sri Lanka.
If both Sri Lanka and New Zealand win two matches, they could surpass Pakistan. New Zealand and Pakistan had a match canceled due to rain, leaving New Zealand with 3 points and Pakistan with only 1. Therefore, Pakistan not only needs to win but also hopes for a New Zealand loss against England.
With Sri Lanka out of the competition, the upcoming match between Pakistan and Sri Lanka will be vital for Pakistan’s chances. Failure to meet the necessary conditions could lead to their elimination.
Even if they meet all criteria, Pakistan’s semifinal spot is still not guaranteed. If both teams end with 3 points, net run rate will determine advancement. Currently, Pakistan’s net run rate is -0.461.
Pakistan’s quest for the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 semifinals is now quite tricky. After their loss to England and with Sri Lanka eliminated following their defeat to New Zealand, Pakistan must win against Sri Lanka to stay in contention.
Even a victory requires New Zealand to lose to England. If both conditions are satisfied, there’s still a chance for a points tie, and net run rate will become crucial. With an NRR of -0.461, Pakistan must perform well in their last match.
T20 World Cup 2026 Super 8: Group 2 Points and Rankings
| Place | Team | Matches Played | Won | Lost | No Result | Points | NRR |
| 1 | England (Q) | 2 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 4 | +1.491 |
| 2 | New Zealand | 2 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 3 | +3.050 |
| 3 | Pakistan | 2 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 1 | -0.461 |
| 4 | Sri Lanka (E) | 2 | 0 | 2 | 0 | 0 | -2.800 |
