Pakistan's Chances of Making Men's T20 Semi-Final Explained

As the semi-final contenders of the Men’s T20 Cricket World Cup 2026 are making their campaigns to prove themselves and carry the weight of their national teams on their shoulders, Pakistan’s typically strong presence in this tournaments seems like it could be wavering. With two disappointing matches behind them, particularly after Pakistan’s loss to England, the hopes of Pakistan advancing out of the Super 8 bracket hinges on their upcoming game with Sri Lanka – as well as how the other teams in Group 2 play their final Super 8 matches.

Here’s where Pakistan stands so far in the T20 World Cup and how they stack up for making it to the semi-final.

Current Situation in the Super 8s

Pakistan’s campaign in the Super 8 stage hasn’t gone to plan. After the initial Super 8 game against New Zealand was washed out, Pakistan’s team was left with a no result and one point. In their second matchup, they lost – albeit narrowly – to England in a dramatic match where England’s Harry Brook scored a match-winning century to chase down Pakistan’s total. That defeat left Pakistan with just one point from two games.

Meanwhile, England have already secured a semi-final berth with two wins from two matches, landing atop Super 8 Group 2 comfortably. Pakistan sit below New Zealand with one point from one game, while Sri Lanka has zero points in the race for the second qualifying spot.

What Pakistan Will Need to Do to Qualify for T20 Semi-Final

Pakistan’s remaining Super 8 fixture is against Sri Lanka on February 28, 2026. A loss in that matchup would automatically end Pakistan’s semi-final campaign. If Pakistan repeats what happened in the England game, then they’d stay on one point and would be unable to outpace either New Zealand or Sri Lanka.

But if Pakistan wins their game against Sri Lanka, then they could be set up for success in the semi-final. Their chances are slim, though, as even a win against Sri Lanka would only net them three points. For those points to be sufficient in advancing them out of the Super 8s, then Pakistan needs for England to New Zealand and for Sri Lanka to follow with their own win over New Zealand in their final Group 2 match. This places Pakistan’s hopes on the fall of the New Zealand team and winning against Sri Lanka on Saturday.

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