How Pakistan Can Keep Semi-Final Hopes Alive After Sri Lanka Elimination

New Zealand defeated Sri Lanka in a dominating fashion in the latest T20 World Cup clash. This helped the Kiwis to strengthen their chances to qualify for the semi-finals of the mega tournament, as they now only need to beat England in their next match.

After today’s result, Pakistan’s chances to qualify for the semi-finals have become very grim, as New Zealand are looking firm favorites to move to the next round. Pakistan will now need a big victory over Sri Lanka and will also have to rely on the outcome of the England vs New Zealand clash to know their fate.   

Pakistan currently has a net run-rate of -0.464, which has kept them on the third position of the Group 2 points table. New Zealand are currently ahead of them with 3 points and a strong net run-rate of 3.050. They will aim to improve it further by defeating England in their next match, however, even a narrow defeat will still allow them to advance to the semi-finals of the ICC T20 World Cup 2026.

Talking about Pakistan’s chances, they will only feel hopeful if England defeats New Zealand by a big margin, or at least 20 runs. If this scenario plays out, Pakistan will then need to defeat Sri Lanka by at least 50 runs to advance to the semi-finals. In this case, Pakistan’s net run-rate will become better than New Zealand, which will allow them to take a second spot on the Group 2 points table.  

Meanwhile, if the match between England and New Zealand cancels due to rain, the Black Caps will get the ticket to play in the semi-finals of the ICC T20 World Cup 2026.