One of New Zealand and Pakistan will advance.  ( New Zealand )

T20 World Cup: The Sri Lankan cricket team has finally been eliminated from the T20 World Cup 2026. Although the team still has to play its final Super 8 match, it doesn’t matter much. New Zealand      ( New Zealand )   has strengthened its chances of reaching the semi-finals by defeating Sri Lanka resoundingly. Meanwhile, Pakistan’s story is also almost over. Although Pakistan is not yet officially eliminated. Let us tell you what the Pakistan cricket team must do to reach the semi-finals of the T20 World Cup 2026.

Sri Lanka’s team is out, now one of New Zealand and Pakistan will advance.
Which two teams will advance to the semi-finals from Group 2 of the ICC T20 World Cup has been largely decided. A look at the latest points table for this group reveals that England has secured a place in the semi-finals by winning two out of two matches and earning four points. Meanwhile, Sri Lanka has lost both of their two matches, thus eliminating them from the tournament. Two matches remain in this group. One will be played between England and New Zealand, while the other will be between Pakistan and Sri Lanka.

The England vs. New Zealand match will decide Pakistan’s fate.
Now, let’s explain how Pakistan will reach the semi-finals of the T20 World Cup 2026. Pakistan has only one point from two matches in this group and is ranked third. Pakistan now has to play its final match against Sri Lanka, but Pakistan’s fate will be sealed before then. New Zealand has three points. If New Zealand loses its next match against England, it will offer a ray of hope for Pakistan. However, if New Zealand defeats England, they will also have five points, ending Pakistan’s story. Even if Pakistan wins the final match, it will not reach five points.

Pakistan must surpass New Zealand’s net run rate
The match between England and New Zealand will be played on February 27th at the Premadasa Stadium. Pakistan will be closely watching this match, as it will determine their fate. Pakistan’s final match will be against Sri Lanka on February 28th. If England defeats New Zealand, they will be left with only three points, meaning Pakistan will have a chance. However, Pakistan will then need to register a big win over Sri Lanka, as the net run rate will be crucial there. New Zealand’s net run rate currently stands at plus 3.050, while Pakistan’s net run rate is minus 0.461. As a rough estimate, if Pakistan wants to surpass New Zealand’s net run rate, they will need to win by at least 70 runs. This is possible, but certainly a difficult task.