Pakistan suffered a crushing blow to their T20 World Cup 2026 campaign after going down to England in their second Super 8 Group 2 match at Pallekele on Tuesday. A sensational 51-ball century by Harry Brook guided England to a comfortable chase of 165, sealing victory with five balls to spare.
With this win, England moved to four points from two matches and became the first team from Group 2 to qualify for the semi-finals. Pakistan, meanwhile, remain stranded on one point, with their qualification hopes now hanging by a thread.
Brook’s Masterclass Seals England’s Spot
Chasing a modest target, England were in complete control thanks to Brook’s composed yet aggressive knock. His unbeaten hundred anchored the innings and ensured England crossed the line in 19.1 overs, underlining their dominance in the Super 8 stage.
The defeat has severely dented Pakistan’s chances, leaving them dependent not only on a win in their final match but also on other results going their way.
Pakistan’s Qualification Scenarios Explained
Pakistan have just one Super 8 match remaining, against Sri Lanka on February 28. England, meanwhile, will take on New Zealand on February 27.
Here’s how Pakistan can still qualify for the semi-finals:
Scenario 1: Favourable Results Across the Board
- Pakistan beat Sri Lanka
- England defeat New Zealand
- Sri Lanka also beat New Zealand
Final points table:
- Pakistan – 3 points
- Sri Lanka – 2 points
- New Zealand – 1 point
➡️ Pakistan qualify for the semis
Scenario 2: Net Run Rate Comes Into Play
- Pakistan beat Sri Lanka
- New Zealand win one match and lose one
In this case, Pakistan and New Zealand both finish on three points, and qualification will be decided by Net Run Rate (NRR).
Scenario 3: Elimination
- Pakistan lose to Sri Lanka or
- Pakistan vs Sri Lanka match is washed out
➡️ Pakistan are eliminated from the tournament
Road Ahead Looks Tough for Pakistan
Even a win against Sri Lanka may not be enough for Pakistan, making their path to the semi-finals extremely narrow and dependent on external factors. England, on the other hand, will head into their final Super 8 match against New Zealand with confidence and momentum.