Pakistan suffered a narrow two-wicket defeat to England national cricket team in their second Super 8 clash of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 on Tuesday (February 24) at the Pallekele International Cricket Stadium.
After winning the toss, Pakistan posted 164/9 in 20 overs. However, England chased down the 165-run target in 19.1 overs despite losing Phil Salt off the very first ball. Captain Harry Brook anchored the innings with a superb 100 off 51 deliveries, guiding the two-time champions home.
The victory made England the first team to qualify for the semi-finals, with four points from two Super 8 matches.
How Pakistan Can Still Qualify
Despite the loss, Pakistan national cricket team remain in contention for a semi-final spot.
Scenario 1: New Zealand Lose Both Matches
If New Zealand national cricket team lose their remaining Super 8 fixtures (against Sri Lanka on February 25 and England on February 27), and Pakistan defeat Sri Lanka national cricket team on February 28, then:
- England will top Group 2 with 6 points
- Pakistan will finish second with 3 points
- Sri Lanka will have 2 points
- New Zealand will end with 1 point
In this case, Pakistan qualify.
Scenario 2: New Zealand Win One Match
If New Zealand win one of their two remaining games, Pakistan must beat Sri Lanka by a significant margin to surpass New Zealand on Net Run Rate (NRR), as both teams would finish with three points.
Scenario 3: New Zealand Win Both Matches
If New Zealand win both their remaining fixtures, they will qualify alongside England. In that case, Pakistan’s match against Sri Lanka will become a dead rubber.
Scenario 4: New Zealand Lose Both, Pakistan Lose to Sri Lanka
If New Zealand lose both games but Pakistan also lose to Sri Lanka, then Sri Lanka will qualify with four points.
With multiple permutations still possible, the race for the second semi-final spot in Group 2 remains wide open.
