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England secured a place in the semi-finals of the T20 World Cup Super 8 match on Tuesday, thanks to a composed and patient innings by captain Harry Brook (100). England achieved Pakistan's target of 164 runs in Pallekal, losing eight wickets in 19.1 overs.
Can Pakistan still reach the semi-finals?: The defeat against England on Tuesday has made things difficult for Pakistan. Pakistan scored a respectable 164, but Harry Brook's blistering century left Pakistan's hopes in jeopardy. The question now is: can Pakistan still reach the semi-finals of the T20 World Cup 2026?
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Current Points Table: Where does Pakistan stand?
England has already qualified for the semi-finals with two wins. Pakistan's situation is currently quite precarious:
| Team | Match | Win | Loss | Drawn | Points | NRR |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| England (Q) | 2 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 4 | +1.491 |
| New Zealand | 1 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 0.000 |
| Pakistan | 2 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 1 | -0.461 |
| Sri Lanka | 1 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 | -2.550 |
3 Qualification Scenarios: How Pakistan Can Still Reach the Semi-Finals
Pakistan can no longer progress on its own. It needs the results and luck of other teams.
Scenario 1: Consecutive New Zealand losses and Pakistan wins
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This is the most straightforward path for Pakistan.
- Pakistan defeats Sri Lanka in its last match (which would give it 3 points).
- New Zealand loses both of its next matches (against Sri Lanka and England).
- In this case, New Zealand will be stuck at 1 point, and Pakistan will reach the semi-finals with 3 points.
Also Read: Can India Still Reach the T20 World Cup Semifinals?, Super 8 Scenarios Explained
Scenario 2: The Net Run Rate (NRR) Battle and Tie-Breakers
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If New Zealand wins one of its two matches, the matter will be decided on net run rate.
- New Zealand's current run rate (0.000) is better than Pakistan's (-0.461).
- The good news for Pakistan is that their last match is on February 28th, while New Zealand's matches will end earlier.
- Pakistan will know exactly by what margin they need to beat Sri Lanka to surpass New Zealand's run rate.
Scenario 3: 'Nature's Law' and Rain's Support
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Pakistani fans often believe in the miracles of nature.
- If New Zealand's remaining two matches are abandoned due to rain, New Zealand will have a total of 3 points.
- In such a situation, Pakistan would simply need to beat Sri Lanka to earn 3 points and could overtake them based on a better net run rate.
Conclusion: How Pakistan Can Reach the Semi-Finals After Loss to England?
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Pakistan's team now Pakistan is at a crossroads, with its fate hinged on the performance of Sri Lanka and New Zealand. If Pakistan loses its final match to Sri Lanka by even one run, their journey will be over. Will a miracle happen this time, just like in 2022? It will be interesting to see.
Also Read: T20 World Cup 2026 Stats: Most Runs, Sixes, Centuries & Best Average
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