England pulled off a thumping win over Pakistan in their opening Super 8 clash and have gone at the top of Group 2. The Three Lions chased 165 and won the game by two wickets and also ensured their semi-final berth in the process. With England becoming the first team to qualify for the semis, there is just one place left from Group 2 and it remains to be seen who picks it up.
Pakistan’s qualification hopes have taken a major blow following tonight’s result. They were already feeling unlucky after their opening game against New Zealand was washed away in Colombo and now the defeat to England has added more fuel to the fire. They stand at the brink of elimination and now their qualification is no more in their hands.
Win against Sri Lanka and pray
Mathematically, Pakistan can no longer finish at the top of their group because England have already qualified having picked up four points from two wins. So, they need to focus on coming second on the standings and qualifying as the runners up from Group 2. The most basic requirement for Pakistan to qualify is to win against Sri Lanka on February 28.
But, before that they will need one more result to go their way. Pakistan will have to pray that England defeat New Zealand on February 27 and open the doors for Pakistan to qualify. If England manage to do so, a win against Sri Lanka should seal the deal for the Falcons. Having lost against England, a win against the host is the most important thing to fall into Pakistan’s favour.
A defeat however will ensure their elimination and a win will keep their chances alive provided New Zealand lose to England. Sri Lanka can also qualify if they beat both New Zealand and Pakistan in their remaining games and for New Zealand to qualify, they have to defeat Pakistan and Sri Lanka.
Read Also:- ICC T20 World Cup Points Table 2026
Pakistan T20 World Cup Semi-Final Qualification Scenarios
Scenario 1
If Pakistan beats Sri Lanka, and England beats New Zealand, plus Sri Lanka either beats New Zealand or their match gets washed out, Pakistan will qualify for the semi-finals. No Net Run Rate calculations are needed.
Scenario 2:
If Pakistan beats Sri Lanka, England beats New Zealand, and New Zealand beats Sri Lanka, both Pakistan and New Zealand will have the same points. In this case, Pakistan will move to the semi-finals only if their Net Run Rate is better than New Zealand’s.
Scenario 3
If Pakistan beats Sri Lanka, Sri Lanka beats New Zealand, and New Zealand beats England, then Pakistan, New Zealand, and England could all end up with the same points. Here, Pakistan will qualify only if their Net Run Rate is better than both New Zealand and England.
Upcoming Fixture in Super 8 Group 2 - T20 World Cup2026
| Date | Match |
| February 25 | New Zealand vs Sri Lanka |
| February 27 | New Zealand vs England |
| February 28 | Pakistan vs Sri Lanka |
