Pakistan now face a difficult qualification scenario in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026, with their semifinal hopes no longer in their own hands.

The Green Shirts must win their final Super Eight Group 2 match against Sri Lanka on February 28 to stay in contention.

Alongside a must-win result, Pakistan also require New Zealand to lose both of their remaining matches against England and Sri Lanka to qualify outright for the semifinals.

If these results go Pakistan’s way, the Green Shirts will finish the group stage with three points and progress to the last four.

In that scenario, New Zealand would end on zero points, while Sri Lanka would collect two.

However, the equation becomes more complex if England defeat New Zealand but New Zealand manage to beat Sri Lanka.

In that case, both Pakistan and New Zealand would finish level on three points, and the semifinal spot would be decided on net run rate.

At present, England lead Group 2 with four points from two matches and have already secured a place in the semifinals.

Pakistan and New Zealand each have one point, while Sri Lanka are yet to open their account.

With only one match remaining for Pakistan, the final round of Group 2 fixtures will be decisive, as the Green Shirts look to keep their World Cup campaign alive amid mounting pressure.

Earlier, England defeated Pakistan by two wickets in a nail-biting Super 8 Group 2 clash of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup, securing a place in the semifinals.

In the fifth Super 8 match at Pallekele Stadium in Sri Lanka, Pakistan posted 164 for 8 in their allotted 20 overs.

England chased down the 165-run target in the final over, finishing at 165 for 8 to seal a dramatic win.