Pakistan’s Usman Tariq drops a catch by England’s Jacob Bethell during the T20 World Cup cricket match between England and Pakistan in Pallekele, Sri Lanka, Tuesday, Feb. 24, 2026. (AP Photo)
England became the first side to confirm a semi-final berth in the 2026 ICC Men’s T20 World Cup after defeating Pakistan on Tuesday, which saw their qualification hopes suffer a setback.After losing to England and defeating New Zealand, Pakistan are no longer in control of their own path to the last four. England have already gone through, leaving Pakistan, Sri Lanka and New Zealand to compete for the remaining semi-final spot from Group 2.
Defeat against England in Kandy will end Pakistan’s semi-final hopes | T20 World Cup
England opened their Super 8 campaign with a 51-run win over Sri Lanka in Kandy on Sunday and followed it up with another win over Pakistan at the same venue on Tuesday. Captain Harry Brook led the effort and scored his first T20I century to take his team home. He also became the first captain to score a hundred in T20 World Cup history.
Scenarios for Pakistan to reach the semi-finals
If New Zealand win both their remaining matches against Sri Lanka and England, Pakistan will be eliminated even if they beat Sri Lanka.If New Zealand lose both matches, Pakistan will qualify with a win over Sri Lanka. In case New Zealand lose one match, Pakistan will still have a chance, but qualification may depend on Net Run Rate.Pakistan were denied an increase in Net Run Rate after losing to England in the final. They reduced England to 58/4 in the 8th over while defending 166 but could not close out the game.Promoted to No.3, Brook rebuilt the innings with Sam Curran for 45 runs before adding 52 runs with Will Jacks to swing the contest in England’s favour. He reached his maiden T20I hundred with a six over the top, followed by a four over mid-on.By the time Brook was out, England were 155/6 and close to the target. However, they lost three wickets for six runs, adding tension late in the chase. Needing three runs in the final over with two wickets in hand, Jofra Archer finished the game by blasting over mid-wicket for four.
