Kabul: Pakistan’s hopes of reaching the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 semifinals remain alive following England’s four-wicket victory over New Zealand in the Super 8 stage on Friday. England chased down a target of 160 at the R. Premadasa Stadium in Colombo, finishing at 161/6 with three balls to spare, which preserved Pakistan’s slim chance of advancing despite their own earlier setbacks.
The win ensured England topped Super 8 Group 2, maintaining an unbeaten run in the stage and securing their spot in the last four. New Zealand, who scored 159/7, now sit second on the table, with Pakistan in third place after two matches one of which was abandoned due to rain and holding just one point.
Pakistan to win their final Super 8 fixture against Sri Lanka, currently bottom of the group, and do so by a significant margin to improve their net run rate (NRR) enough to leapfrog New Zealand into the semifinal berth. With New Zealand’s NRR significantly higher, Pakistan’s task is made tougher; they will have to either defeat Sri Lanka by a large run difference or chase down their target very quickly.
If Pakistan lose to Sri Lanka, they will be eliminated. Likewise, should New Zealand defeat England, Pakistan’s campaign would end before their last game. A washed-out match between England and New Zealand would also see Pakistan exit the competition, regardless of their result, as they would be unable to surpass the others on points.
The scenarios mean Pakistan’s advancement is far from guaranteed and will depend on both their performance and results from other fixtures. Their final Super 8 game, scheduled against Sri Lanka, now takes on crucial importance in deciding whether they can keep their T20 World Cup dreams alive.
Currently, this is how the T20 World Cup Super 8 Group 2 points table stands:
- 1. England – 6 points, 3 matches, NRR +1.096
- 2. New Zealand – 3 points, 3 matches, NRR +1.390
- 3. Pakistan – 1 point, 2 matches, NRR -0.461
- 4. Sri Lanka – 0 points, 2 matches, NRR -2.800
As per AccuWeather, there is only a 1 per cent chance of rain at the Pallekele International Cricket Stadium on Saturday. The temperature is likely to fluctuate between 19-26 degrees Celsius.
If Pakistan qualify then the first semi-final will be played in Colombo. However, if New Zealand go through, it will be staged at Eden Gardens in Kolkata.
Sri Lanka Squad: Pathum Nissanka, Kusal Mendis(w), Charith Asalanka, Pavan Rathnayake, Kamindu Mendis, Dasun Shanaka(c), Dushan Hemantha, Dunith Wellalage, Dushmantha Chameera, Maheesh Theekshana, Dilshan Madushanka, Kusal Perera, Pramod Madushan, Janith Liyanage, Kamil Mishara.
Pakistan Squad: Sahibzada Farhan, Saim Ayub, Salman Agha(c), Babar Azam, Fakhar Zaman, Shadab Khan, Usman Khan(w), Mohammad Nawaz, Shaheen Afridi, Salman Mirza, Usman Tariq, Khawaja Nafay, Naseem Shah, Abrar Ahmed, Faheem Ashraf.
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