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India vs Pakistan - (Source: X.com)
On Thursday, February 26, India delivered when it mattered the most. The Men in Blue locked horns against Zimbabwe in a do-or-die game and handed the visitors a massive 72-run defeat to stay alive in the tournament. It also enhances India's net run-rate, which is now -0.100.
Now, for the Men in Blue to secure a semi-final berth, they have a simple forward scenario in front of them, which is to beat West Indies and qualify for the last four. Since the semi-final berth is closer, the fans are talking about India’s potential opponents.
Meanwhile, there is a chatter whether the Men in Blue can still face Pakistan or not and this article will shed light on that scenario.
How can India and Pakistan still play the T20 World Cup 2026 semi-final?
For India, if they beat the West Indies, they will finish second on the table, behind South Africa, with four points in three matches. They will face the table-toppers from group B, which cannot be Pakistan. Notably, the Salman Ali Agha-led side can at max finish second in their group, which leaves the possibility of Indo-Pak semis with one option, which is if India top their group.
How can India top Group A?
At present, South Africa are the table toppers with 4 points in two matches. For India to top the group, they would want Zimbabwe to beat the Proteas and then beat West Indies with a high margin to have a better net run-rate than South Africa to top the table with 4 points in three matches, while the Rainbow Nation also has the same number of points.
How can Pakistan qualify for the semi-finals?
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.
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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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