Pakistan qualification scenario: How can Team Pakistan reach T20 World Cup 2026 semi-final after England defeat?

NEW DELHI: Pakistan’s road to the T20 World Cup 2026 semi-finals narrowed dramatically after a pulsating loss to England at the Super 8 stage, yet mathematical hope remains alive for Babar Azam’s side.

England, propelled by a scintillating 100 off 51 balls from captain Harry Brook, overhauled Pakistan’s 164 for nine with room to spare, sealing their own passage to the last four. Brook’s innings eclipsed a fighting 63 from Sahibzada Farhan, while cameos of 25 each from Babar and Fakhar Zaman had lifted Pakistan to a competitive total. Shaheen Shah Afridi’s four-wicket burst briefly threatened to derail the chase, but Brook’s calculated assault ensured England joined the semi-final line-up.

The defeat leaves Pakistan on a solitary point from two outings — one loss and one no-result — ahead of their final Super 8 contest against Sri Lanka. To extend their tournament life, Pakistan must now prevail convincingly against Sri Lanka and then monitor New Zealand’s remaining fixtures. The equation is stark: New Zealand must lose both of their games for Pakistan to leapfrog them on points. If the Kiwis split their results, net run rate will decide the second qualifier from the group, placing a premium on Pakistan’s margin of victory and overall efficiency with both bat and ball. Any other permutation will officially end Pakistan’s campaign.

With destiny no longer in their own hands, Pakistan enter their last group match aware that only a dominant win, coupled with external assistance, can keep their World Cup dream flickering into the knockout phase.