On Wednesday, February 25, New Zealand stunned Sri Lanka in the Super 8 match as the Blackcaps sealed a handsome 61 run win over the Island Nation and knocked the hosts out of the T20 World Cup 2026. Notably, the Mitchell Santner-led side, batting first, put 168 runs on the board.
In reply, Sri Lanka got off to the worst possible start and after registering their lowest powerplay total in the history of the tournament, the Dasun Shanaka-led side only managed to put 107 runs in their chase. The Sri Lanka fans turned in big numbers to support their side, but were left heartbroken.
Pakistan Heartbroken after Sri Lanka’s Defeat
The Sri Lankan fans were not the only ones with heads hanging in shame, but Pakistan too had their hopes on the Island Nation to keep Men in Green alive in the tournament. For the unversed, the Salman Ali Agha-led side suffered a heartbreaking loss against England, leaving them with just one point in two matches.
It is worth noting that England have already qualified for the semi-finals with four points in two matches. Now, after New Zealand’s win, they too have 3 points in 2 matches. Pakistan, at max, can only reach three points from here on, and Sri Lanka’s defeat has further hampered their dreams to qualify for the semis, a feat they last achieved in the 2022 edition.
The dream is far-fetched, but not impossible yet. Notably, Pakistan can still qualify for the last four from this stage, and this article will shed light on Pakistan’s qualification scenario for semi-final qualification after New Zealand’s win over Sri Lanka.
Pakistan's T20 World Cup semifinal qualification scenarios explained after SL Vs NZ
Teams
Matches Played
Won/Loss
Points
N/R
England
2
2/0
4
+1.491
New Zealand
2
1/0
3
+3.050
Pakistan
2
0/1
1
-0.461
Sri Lanka
2
0/2
0
-2.500
There are only two matches left in Pakistan's Super 8 group. England are set to face New Zealand on February 27, while Pakistan will face Sri Lanka on February 28. There are not many scenarios left for the Men in Green and it is a pretty simple situation from here on.
Only Scenario: If New Zealand beat England, then it is game over for Pakistan as the Kiwis will have 5 points. England will be placed second with four points. Therefore, even if Pakistan win against Sri Lanka, it won't matter and the match on February 28 will be a dead rubber.
For Pakistan to qualify, they need England to thrash New Zealand badly, so that their net run-rate takes a big dip. It will then paint a picture for the Men in Green to beat Sri Lanka by a certain margin to go above New Zealand on the points table with a better net run-rate. However, it will be an uphill task for the Salman Agha-led side. Notably, the Kiwis have a net run-rate of +3.050.
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Pakistan vs England - (Source: AFP)
