The equation is familiar for Pakistan: win big and move on. (Image credit: Agencies) Pakistan’s run to the semi-finals of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 boiled down to one simple equation after England’s dramatic four-wicket victory over New Zealand reshaped the Group 2 table in Colombo.England, led by Harry Brooke, finished the Super 8 stage unbeaten with three wins from three, securing top spot with six points after their triumph at the R. Premadasa Stadium. What once appeared to be a complicated qualifying scenario has now turned into a straight shootout for Pakistan in the final.
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Despite Friday’s defeat, New Zealand remain second with three points and a healthy net rate of +1.390. Pakistan are third with one point from two matches and a net rate of -0.461.The equation for Pakistan is clear but challenging. If they bat first against Sri Lanka, they need to win by at least 64 runs. If they are to chase, they need to overhaul the target in 13.1 overs to leapfrog New Zealand in pure run-rate.Saturday’s clash between Pakistan and Sri Lanka at the Pallekele International Cricket Stadium serves as a knockout for Pakistan. A massive win sends them into the semi-finals and knocks out New Zealand. Anything less and New Zealand progress as the second team from Group 2.History offers Pakistan hopePakistan has been through similar high pressure scenarios before.In the 1996 KCA Centenary Tournament in Nairobi, they found themselves needing a massive win over Sri Lanka to reach the final. After being asked to bat, Pakistan amassed 371/9 at the Gymkhana Club Ground, powered by a sensational performance of 102 balls for just 40 from 16-year-old Shahid Afridi and a commanding 115 from Saeed Anwar.To qualify, Pakistan needed to restrict Sri Lanka to 290. Their bowlers delivered — Waqar Younis took 5/52, Saqlain Mushtaq took 4/33 and Afridi chipped in with 1/43 as Sri Lanka were bowled out for 289. An 82-run win secured Pakistan’s place in the final.Almost three decades later, Pakistan face another must-win challenge in Pallekele by a big margin.The equation is familiar: win big and move on.
