The Pakistan national cricket team were officially eliminated from the semifinal race of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 after Sri Lanka ensured they could not surpass New Zealand’s Net Run Rate (NRR) in Group 2.
Pakistan entered the contest knowing only a massive win would keep their hopes alive. They delivered the first part of that plan brilliantly, posting a commanding 212/8 in the first innings at the Pallekele International Cricket Stadium.
However, to overtake the New Zealand national cricket team on NRR, Pakistan needed to restrict Sri Lanka to 147 or fewer. The hosts comfortably crossed that mark in the 16th over with five wickets in hand, sealing Pakistan’s exit.
Group 2 Final Standings Confirmed
With the result, the England national cricket team finished atop Group 2, followed by New Zealand in second place.
This marks the second consecutive T20 World Cup in which Pakistan have failed to reach the semifinals, having also suffered a group-stage elimination in 2024.
From Group 1, the South Africa national cricket team have already secured qualification. India and the West Indies remain in contention, with their upcoming clash set to determine the final semifinal lineup. The Group 1 topper will face New Zealand, while the second-placed side will take on South Africa.
Massive Consequences Await Pakistan
Pakistan’s early exit could trigger significant changes within the setup.
According to reports, the Pakistan Cricket Board and its chairman Mohsin Naqvi are preparing sweeping decisions. Captain Salman Agha, who registered a duck against Sri Lanka, is reportedly set to be removed from leadership duties.
Leg-spinner Shadab Khan and pacer Shaheen Afridi are among the frontrunners to take over the captaincy.
Senior batters Babar Azam and Usman Khan are also believed to be under scrutiny, with suggestions that they may have played their last T20Is for the foreseeable future.
Head coach Mike Hesson, despite some positive contributions, is likewise expected to face tough questions after the team once again fell short at a crucial stage.
