Could the cricketing world be gearing up for another India-Pakistan blockbuster at the T20 World Cup 2026? The option is still alive – but a few pieces need to fall into place.So far, the South African national cricket team and the England cricket team have confirmed their semi-final berths. This leaves two spots up for grabs, with the Indian national cricket team, the West Indies cricket team, the Pakistan national cricket team and the New Zealand national cricket team.
India landed in Calcutta for WI-or-die clash | The semi-finals are on the line
England booked a place in the last four after a thrilling four-wicket win over New Zealand at the R Premadasa Stadium in Colombo to finish the Super Eights stage unbeaten with three wins from three matches to top Group 2.New Zealand are second with three points. Pakistan, meanwhile, remains mathematically alive – but only just.To qualify, Pakistan need to beat Sri Lanka in their last Super Eight match – by a big margin. Their Net Run Rate of -0.461 pales in comparison to New Zealand’s +1.390. This gap means that Pakistan not only need a resounding win, but also have to hope that New Zealand suffer a heavy defeat in their last game. A loss would immediately end Pakistan’s campaign.
T20 World Cup Semi Final Qualifier Scenario in India
Defending champions India responded in style with a dominant 72-run victory over Zimbabwe at the MA Chidambaram Stadium.After the West Indies’ heavy defeat by South Africa, the equation for the Suryakumar Yadav-led side is simple: beat the West Indies in their final Super Eight match at the Eden Gardens on March 1 and they will advance to the semi-finals – regardless of the margin.However, if rain forces a washout, the West Indies would move to three points and wrap up the qualifiers instead.
Can India and Pakistan meet again in the T20 World Cup?
An India-Pakistan clash is possible, but only if both teams are eliminated.If Pakistan somehow manage to finish in the top two in Group 2 and India qualify from their group, the two sides could face each other in:Semi-finals — depending on group placement.Final — if both teams win their respective semi-finals.At present, India’s path seems clear. Pakistan, on the other hand, require a dominant display and favorable results elsewhere to keep their hopes alive for another high-voltage encounter between cricket’s fiercest rivals.
