What Pakistan need to do to reach T20 World Cup Semifinal ?
Given Sri Lanka are already eliminated from the tournament, the match between England and New Zealand concerned only Pakistan.
England defeated New Zealand by four wickets in their T20 World Cup 2026 Super Eight match at the R. Premadasa Stadium, Colombo, on Friday. While the Three Lions had already qualified for the semi-finals of the tournament, their win over the Blackcaps has given Pakistan hope. As a result, Salman Agha and Co. are still in contention for the second remaining semi-final position from Group 2. Given Sri Lanka were already eliminated from the tournament, the match between England and New Zealand concerned only Pakistan.
New Zealand have ended their Super Eight campaign with three points, and now either they or Pakistan could still make it to the semi-finals.
The Blackcaps have three points to their credit with a Net Run Rate (NRR) of +1.390. On the other hand, Pakistan have one point with an NRR of -0.461, with a game left to play.
If Pakistan beat Sri Lanka in their final game and surpass the NRR of New Zealand, Salman Agha and Co. will enter the semi-finals. Otherwise, New Zealand will be through.
Pakistan need to beat Sri Lanka by approximately 65 runs or complete the chase in 13 overs, depending on whether they bat first or second.
Earlier in the Super Eight, the Pakistan vs New Zealand game was washed out due to rain. As a result, both teams got a point each.
The two sides had contrasting outcomes after that, as the Blackcaps beat Sri Lanka by 61 runs to reach three points, while Salman Agha and Co. lost to England by two wickets.
Had New Zealand defeated England in their Super Eight match on Friday, they would have moved to five points, securing a place in the semi-finals. In that case, Pakistan would have been eliminated, as they could have reached a maximum of three points. However, England's win has kept Pakistan completely alive in the race for the semi-finals.
If Pakistan win their final Super Eight match against Sri Lanka, they will be tied at three points each with New Zealand, and the team with the better NRR will advance to the knockouts.
To make it to the semi-finals, Pakistan will thus need to register a huge win over Sri Lanka to surpass the NRR of the Blackcaps.
