Pakistan’s road to the T20 World Cup 2026 semifinals has become very narrow after their two-wicket loss to England on February 24, 2026.
With one point from two matches, Pakistan are third in Super 8 Group 2. England have already sealed a semifinal spot, leaving only one place open in the group.
Pakistan now face a must-win match against Sri Lanka on February 28. A victory will take them to three points and keep their hopes alive.
If Pakistan lose to Sri Lanka, they will be knocked out of the tournament immediately. There is no second chance.
Even a washout will hurt them badly. A no-result will leave Pakistan on two points, which will likely not be enough unless other matches are also washed out.
What Pakistan Need
Pakistan can qualify directly if New Zealand lose both their remaining games, against Sri Lanka on February 25 and England on February 27.
If that happens, New Zealand will stay on one point. Pakistan, with a win over Sri Lanka, will move to three points and go through.
But if New Zealand win even one of those two matches, things get tight. Both Pakistan and New Zealand could finish on three points, provided Pakistan beat Sri Lanka.
In that case, Net Run Rate will decide the second semifinalist. Pakistan must make sure their NRR is better than New Zealand’s.
There is one scenario that ends all hopes. If New Zealand win both their remaining matches, they will reach five points. That will eliminate Pakistan from the race.
Captain Salman Ali Agha admitted the team did not finish well against England but sounded determined ahead of the final game.
He called the Sri Lanka clash a “must-win” and said the team is focused on correcting their mistakes.
If Pakistan manage to qualify, they will play the first semifinal in Colombo on March 4, 2026.
For now, everything depends on February 28. Pakistan must win first, then hope other results go their way.