Pakistan’s campaign in the T20 World Cup 2026 Super 8 stage has hit a major roadblock after a disappointing loss to England on Tuesday. Teetering on the brink of elimination, the Men in Green now need a miracle to secure a semifinal spot in Group 2, which also features Sri Lanka, New Zealand, and England.
The equation is crystal clear for Babar Azam’s side. With one match washed out against New Zealand due to rain in Colombo on February 21—resulting in a shared point—Pakistan entered their clash with England needing victories in both remaining games. That dream shattered as England outplayed them comprehensively.
Now, all eyes are on Pakistan’s final Super 8 fixture against Sri Lanka on February 28. A massive win is non-negotiable, boosting their points to three and improving their net run rate significantly. But that’s only half the battle. For qualification, New Zealand must lose their remaining matches against Sri Lanka and England, leaving Kiwis with just one point while Sri Lanka ends with two.
Group standings paint a stark picture. England has already punched their semifinal ticket with wins over Pakistan, Sri Lanka, and a strong position ahead of their last game against New Zealand on February 27. Pakistan’s fate hinges on not just their performance but also on rivals stumbling.
Cricket fans in Pakistan are holding their breath. A dominant display against Sri Lanka, combined with favorable results elsewhere, could yet propel them into the top four. However, the road ahead looks treacherous, with little margin for error. As the Super 8 drama unfolds, one thing is certain: this group promises edge-of-the-seat action until the very end.