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Pakistan's T20 WC Semis Hopes Dangle After Thrilling Loss To England

England secured their semi-final berth with a narrow victory over Pakistan, complicating the latter's path to the knockout stage. Pakistan's qualification now depends on other results, primarily involving New Zealand and Sri Lanka. Captain Harry Brook's maiden T20I century, a first for a captain in the tournament's history, was the cornerstone of England's successful chase. Despite a late collapse, England clinched the win in the final over, leaving Pakistan to rue a missed opportunity.

Key Points: Pakistan T20 WC Semis Scenario After England Loss

  • England first to seal semi-final spot
  • Pakistan's fate not in their own hands
  • Harry Brook scores historic T20I century
  • Semis race down to Pakistan, Sri Lanka, New Zealand
  • Net Run Rate could be decisive
2 min read

T20 WC: Road to semis scenario for Pakistan after narrrow loss to England

Pakistan's semi-final fate hangs in the balance after a narrow defeat to England. Explore the qualification scenarios and key moments from the match.

"It was captain Harry Brook who rose to the occasion, hoisting his first T20I hundred to guide his team to victory. - Match Report"

New Delhi, Feb 25

England became the first team to seal their semi-final spot at the ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2026 after beating Pakistan, whose chances for semi-final qualification have taken a hit.

A defeat to England after a washout against New Zealand means Pakistan's fate is not entirely in their hands. With England already through, Pakistan, Sri Lanka and New Zealand will battle for the only remaining semi-final spot.

England opened their Super 8 campaign with a 51-run win over Sri Lanka in Kandy on Sunday, before victory over Pakistan at the same venue on Tuesday. It was captain Harry Brook who rose to the occasion, hoisting his first T20I hundred to guide his team to victory. He also became the first captain to score a hundred in T20 World Cup history.

Scenarios for Pakistan to enter semifinal

Two wins for New Zealand (against Sri Lanka and England) would end Pakistan's campaign, irrespective of a win over Sri Lanka.

However, two New Zealand defeats mean Pakistan would only need to beat Sri Lanka, though one New Zealand defeat would also open the door for Salman Ali Agha's side, albeit coming down to a Net Run Rate battle.

A final-over defeat to England prevented a Net Run Rate beating, though they will lament letting victory slip after holding their opponents to 58/4 in the eighth over in the chase of 166.

But skipper Brook, who was promoted to No. 3 in the line-up, steadied the innings, along with Sam Curran, with a 45-run partnership. He then stitched a 52-run partnership with Will Jacks that took the game away from Pakistan. The England captain brought up his first T20I hundred in style, punching a six over cover and following it up with a four through mid-off.

When Brook was dismissed, England were already on the brink of victory, at 155/6. But they lost three wickets in the space of six runs to inject some late drama into the match. Going into the last over, England needed three runs, with two wickets in hand. Archer avoided any more delay, as he pulled through mid-wicket for a four.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

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Sarah B
Harry Brook's innings was a masterclass. To score a captain's hundred under that pressure was phenomenal. Pakistan's fielding in the death overs let them down badly. They need to beat Sri Lanka convincingly now and pray for other results. The group is wide open!
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Aditya G
Yaar, what a match! My heart was in my mouth. Pakistan had it at 58/4! This is classic Pakistan cricket – brilliant one moment, chaotic the next. Now their fate depends on New Zealand. As an Indian, the drama is entertaining, but you have to feel for the fans. The NRR calculations will give everyone a headache.
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Priyanka N
Respectful criticism: Pakistan's middle-order batting and death bowling remain big question marks. They lack a finisher like India has or England has in Curran/Jacks. Relying on other teams' results is never a good position to be in. They need to focus on beating Sri Lanka by a big margin first.
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Karthik V
The washout against NZ coming back to haunt them. That's the problem with these short tournaments – one bad day (or rainy day) and you're playing catch-up. Hope Sri Lanka puts up a fight against New Zealand. More competition is better for the spectacle! 🏏
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Michael C
Fantastic knock from Brook. As for Pakistan, the scenario is clear: win big against Sri Lanka and hope New Zealand drops at least one. The Net Run Rate battle adds such a fascinating mathematical layer to the sport. Great for neutral fans!

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