Pakistan’s defeat to England in the ICC T20 World Cup 2026 Super Eight has complicated their path to the semi-finals and left qualification out of their hands.
As a result, Pakistan must now beat Sri Lanka on February 28 to remain in contention. Without that victory, their campaign will effectively end. However, even if they secure the win, they will still rely on favorable outcomes in other matches involving England and New Zealand, as well as the Sri Lanka-New Zealand fixture.
Moreover, Net Run Rate could ultimately determine the final standings, depending on how results unfold in the remaining Super Eight games.
In one possible scenario, Pakistan defeat Sri Lanka, England overcome New Zealand, and Sri Lanka either beat New Zealand or see their match washed out. In that case, New Zealand would drop crucial points, keeping Pakistan in the hunt.
Alternatively, if Pakistan beat Sri Lanka and England defeat New Zealand, but New Zealand then overcome Sri Lanka, qualification would hinge on Net Run Rate. Pakistan would need a convincing win and favorable margins elsewhere to stay ahead of New Zealand.
The most complicated path emerges if Pakistan beat Sri Lanka, Sri Lanka defeat New Zealand, and New Zealand topple England. Under that scenario, Pakistan would have to surpass both England and New Zealand on Net Run Rate to advance.
Consequently, Pakistan’s margin for error has disappeared. The team must first secure victory against Sri Lanka and then hope other results — and potentially fine NRR calculations — tilt in their favor.
