Pakistan’s Usman Tariq drops a catch of 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 at the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 after defeating Pakistan on Tuesday, whose qualification hopes have suffered a setback.Following a loss to England and a washout against New Zealand, Pakistan no longer control their own path to the last four. With England already through, Pakistan, Sri Lanka and New Zealand are left competing for the remaining semi-final place from group 2.England began their Super 8 campaign with a 51-run win over Sri Lanka in Kandy on Sunday and followed it up with another victory over Pakistan at the same venue on Tuesday. Captain Harry Brook led the effort, scoring his first T20I century to take his team home. He also became the first captain to register a hundred in T20 World Cup history.

Scenarios for Pakistan to enter semifinal

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 games, Pakistan will qualify with a win over Sri Lanka. In case New Zealand lose one match, Pakistan will still have a chance, but qualification could depend on Net Run Rate.Pakistan were denied a Net Run Rate boost after losing to England in the final over. They had reduced England to 58/4 in the eighth over while defending 166, but could not close out the game.Brook, promoted to No. 3, rebuilt the innings with Sam Curran in a 45-run stand and then added 52 runs with Will Jacks, shifting the contest in England’s favour. He reached his maiden T20I hundred with a six over cover followed by a four through mid-off.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 match by pulling a delivery through mid-wicket for four.

Team Pakistan (PTI Photo)

NEW DELHI: Pakistan’s hopes of reaching the T20 World Cup 2026 semi-finals took a hit after their loss to England, but they are still not completely out of the race.England chased down Pakistan’s 164-run target thanks to a brilliant century from captain Harry Brook, who scored 100 off 51 balls, helping his team qualify for the semi-finals on Tuesday.

Pakistan had earlier posted 164/9, with Sahibzada Farhan top-scoring with 63, while Babar Azam and Fakhar Zaman added 25 each. England’s bowlers kept things tight, but Brook’s knock proved too strong. For Pakistan, Shaheen Shah Afridi took four wickets, but it wasn’t enough to stop England. With this result, England are through to the semis. Pakistan, however, have one point from two matches (one loss and one washed-out game) and still have a slim chance to qualify, depending on other teams’ results.

Super 8 Group 2 points table

For Pakistan to reach the semi-finals, a few things must go their way. First, Pakistan must beat Sri Lanka in their final Super 8 match. Then, they need New Zealand to lose both of their remaining matches. If that happens, Pakistan will move ahead on points and qualify. If New Zealand win one match and lose one, then qualification will come down to net run rate (NRR), meaning Pakistan will need to have a better scoring and bowling record than New Zealand. Any other combination of results will knock Pakistan out of the tournament. In short, Pakistan must win their last match and hope for favourable results from New Zealand’s games to stay alive in the World Cup.