New Delhi: England beat Pakistan by 2 wickets in a thrilling Super Eight clash at the Pallekele International Stadium in Pallekele on Tuesday to qualify for the semifinals of the T20 World Cup 2026. England became
the first team to reach the semifinals of the tournament, pushing Pakistan on the verge of an exit.
Pakistan remain winless after two of their three matches in the Super Eight stage. Their opener against New Zealand was washed out due to rain before their 2-wicket defeat against England on Tuesday. Pakistan have only one point to their name, and their fate is no longer in their own hands.
Nonetheless, Pakistan are still alive in the competition with a slim chance of qualifying for the semifinals. England's qualification means New Zealand and Sri Lanka, along with Pakistan, are in contention for the second spot in the top four from Group 2. But Pakistan's chances are the slimmest as they have already played their two matches in the Super Eight stage.
How can Pakistan still qualify for T20 World Cup 2026 semifinals?
Pakistan have to beat Sri Lanka in their final Super Eight clash on February 28 to remain alive in the competition. If Pakistan win against Sri Lanka and New Zealand lose both their remaining matches against Sri Lanka and England, the Salman Ali Agha-led side will qualify with three points.
In this scenario, New Zealand will finish with only one point after two defeats in their remaining two matches, while Sri Lanka will manage only two points with one win in their remaining two matches. Both teams will thus get knocked out, and Pakistan will qualify with three points.
Pakistan can also qualify for the semifinals if they beat Sri Lanka by a huge margin in their final Super Eight match and New Zealand win only one of their remaining two matches against Sri Lanka and England. In that case, Pakistan will pip the Kiwis based on net run rate after both teams end up with three points apiece.
However, Pakistan's chances are slim to say the least, as they would need other results to go in their favour even if they manage to beat Sri Lanka in their final Super Eight match.
