Pakistan Semi-Final Scenario After Loss to England in T20 World Cup 2026 Super 8

A brilliant century from Harry Brook powered England national cricket team into the semi-finals of the T20 World Cup 2026, while leaving Pakistan national cricket team facing a complicated qualification scenario dependent on other results and Net Run Rate (NRR).

Pakistan’s campaign suffered a major setback after a narrow two-wicket defeat to England on Tuesday. Despite a fighting 63-run knock from opener Sahibzada Farhan, the “Men in Green” were unable to defend their total as Brook smashed a commanding 50-ball century to guide England home with three deliveries remaining.

With the result, Pakistan now have just one point from two Super 8 matches, their opening fixture against New Zealand national cricket team having been washed out. England’s victory secures their place in the semi-finals, while Pakistan must now rely on favourable outcomes elsewhere to stay alive in the tournament.

Pakistan’s Semi-Final Qualification Scenario

Although the defeat has significantly dented their chances, Pakistan are not yet mathematically eliminated. However, progression is no longer in their control.

To qualify for the semi-finals, Pakistan must:

• Defeat Sri Lanka: Pakistan must win their final Super 8 match against Sri Lanka national cricket team in Colombo on February 28. A victory would take them to three points.

• Hope New Zealand Slip Up: Pakistan require either England or Sri Lanka to beat New Zealand. If New Zealand win their remaining fixtures, they will reach at least four points, putting qualification beyond Pakistan’s reach.

• Improve Net Run Rate: If Pakistan and New Zealand both finish on three points, the second semi-final berth will be decided by NRR. Currently, Pakistan’s NRR is in the negative following the loss to England, meaning a comprehensive win over Sri Lanka would be essential.

Match Recap: Brook’s Century Seals England’s Spot

Opting to bat first, Pakistan posted 164/9, with Farhan’s steady 63 off 45 balls forming the backbone of the innings. However, a late collapse, triggered by Liam Dawson’s impressive 3/24 spell, restricted Pakistan from reaching a more formidable total near 180.

England’s chase began shakily as Shaheen Shah Afridi removed Phil Salt in the opening over and later dismissed Jacob Bethell, reducing England to 35/3. Nevertheless, Brook steadied the innings with remarkable composure. He brought up his century with a boundary in the final over, finishing unbeaten and maintaining England’s perfect Super 8 record.

With one match remaining, Pakistan’s T20 World Cup fate now hinges on both a dominant performance and results elsewhere in the group.