The tournament has gone from bad to worse for Pakistan as the Salman Ali Agha-led team suffered a heartbreaking defeat against England. The Men in Green have played two matches in Super 8 and now stand on the brink of elimination.
Previously, the rain hampered Pakistan’s chances, forcing them to share a point with New Zealand. Now, with England’s win, the Harry Brook-led side have qualified for the semis, leaving only one spot vacant and three teams fighting for the last place.
The Men in Green have a solitary match left in the Super 8, which is against Sri Lanka on February 27, and this match will decide their fate in the tournament. Meanwhile, this article will shed light on Pakistan’s qualification scenario for the semi-final.
Pakistan’s T20 World Cup 2026 Semi-Final Scenario Explained
Teams
Matches Played
Won/Loss
Points
N/R
England
2
2/0
4
+1.491
New Zealand
1
0/0
1
+0.000
Pakistan
2
0/1
0
-0.461
Sri Lanka
1
0/1
0
-2.500
As mentioned above, Pakistan have only one match left against Sri Lanka, which they have to win at any cost. If they lose their final match, then they will be eliminated. Further, even if Pakistan beat the Island Nation, then the Men in Green will have to rely on other results to qualify for the next round.
Scenario 1
After a win over Sri Lanka, Pakistan will have three points in three matches. Now, they would hope for Sri Lanka to beat New Zealand, so that the Kiwis only have 1 point in 2 matches. Further, England should also beat New Zealand so that the Mitchell Santner-led side will only have 1 point in the Super 8.
In case this happens, then Pakistan’s match against Sri Lanka will become a do-or-die game. There, Pakistan will have to beat Sri Lanka, so that the Island Nation finish with just 2 points in three matches.
Scenario 2
In case New Zealand beat Sri Lanka and Pakistan also beat the Island Nation, then the hosts will crash out of the tournament with no points in the Super 8 round. Now, Pakistan will have 3 points in 3 matches, while New Zealand will have 3 points in two matches.
For Pakistan to qualify further, they would pray for England to beat the Kiwis handsomely so that the Blackcaps end up lower than Pakistan in the points table on net run-rate.
Pakistan Nearly Sealed A Win Out Of The Jaws Of Defeat
It was an enthralling game as Pakistan, batting first, put 164 runs on the board. In reply, England lost three wickets in the powerplay, but rode on Harry Brook's knock, who slammed a century, making him the first captain to hit a century in the World Cups.
Eventually, England required just five to win off 12 balls with four wickets in hand, but the Three Lions lost two wickets in Mohammad Nawaz's over, bringing the excitement and hopes back in the game. Eventually, Jofra Archer sealed the win for his side with a four.
Pakistan Qualification Scenario - (Source: AFP)
