Fast bowler Salman Mirza has said he is optimistic about Pakistan’s chances of reaching the semi-finals of the T20 World Cup 2026. Pakistan’s fate currently hangs in the balance going into their final Super 8 match against Sri Lanka on February 28 in Pallekele. Pakistan will only stay in the competition if England beat New Zealand in Colombo.
A win in New Zealand would see Pakistan eliminatedwhile a loss could give them a chance to advance on pure run rate. Mirza acknowledged that the team cannot control external results and can only focus on their final Super 8 match against Sri Lanka.
“Yes, absolutely. There is enough ability in Pakistan to not only reach the semi-finals, but to do very well. And as you said, it’s hanging in the balance – it’s out of our control now. We’re just watching our game and hope we do well in it,” Mirza said at the pre-match press conference.
“Sir, regardless of today’s match or tomorrow’s match, we can’t control it and we will only focus on our game and try to do our best in it,” Mirza added.
HOW PAKISTAN REPRESENTED IN WC T20
Pakistan have had an up and down campaign in the World Cup so far. They started their tournament on a positive note by beating the Netherlands by three wickets, thanks to key contributions from Sahibzada Farhan and Faheem Ashraf.
They followed that up with another solid win over the United States, securing a 32-run victory with Farhan again leading the batting effort.
However, their momentum was halted by a 61-run defeat to India in Colombo. Pakistan bounced back in a big way with an impressive 102-run win against Namibia as Farhan scored a century and the bowlers produced a dominant performance to seal a comprehensive victory.
The Super 8 stage was less favorable. A rain affected no result against New Zealand in Colombo dented their chances of qualifying for the semi-finals.
Their struggles continued when England edged them out by two wickets in Pallekelewith Harry Brook’s century proving decisive. This defeat severely hampered Pakistan’s qualification hopes and their path to the semi-finals depended on further results and sheer pace.
T20 World Cup | T20 World Cup Schedule | T20 World Cup Points Table | T20 World Cup Videos | Cricket News | Live Score
– The end
Issued by:
sabyasachi chowdhury
Published on:
27 Feb 2026 20:00 IST
