Pakistani Usman Tariq catches Englishman Jacob Bethell during the T20 World Cup cricket match between England and Pakistan in Pallekele, Sri Lanka, Tuesday, February 24, 2026. (AP Photo)
England became the first team to confirm their place in the semi-finals of the 2026 Men’s T20 World Cup after beating Pakistan on Tuesday, whose qualification hopes suffered a setback.After losing to England and losing to New Zealand, Pakistan were no longer in control on their way to the semi-finals. With England already qualified, Pakistan, Sri Lanka and New Zealand remain in contention for the remaining semi-final spot in Group B.England began their Super 8 campaign with a 51-run win over Sri Lanka in Kandy on Sunday, and followed it up with another win over Pakistan at the same venue on Tuesday.
Captain Harry Brook led the effort, scoring his maiden T20I century to take his team home. He also became the first captain to score a hundred in the history of the T20 World Cup.
Scenarios for Pakistan to qualify for the semi-finals
If New Zealand win their remaining two matches against Sri Lanka and England, Pakistan will be eliminated, even if they beat Sri Lanka.If New Zealand loses both matches, Pakistan will qualify by defeating Sri Lanka. If New Zealand loses one match, Pakistan will still have a chance, but qualification may depend on net run rate.
Pakistan were denied a net run rate increase after losing to England in the final. They reduced England to 58/4 in the eighth over while defending 166 but could not finish the match off.Brook, who had been promoted to third, rebuilt the innings with Sam Curran in a 45-run stand and then added a 52-run stand with Will Jacks, turning the contest in England’s favour. He reached his maiden T20I hundred with a cover of six followed by a four until midwicket.By the time Brook got out, England’s score was 155/6 and were close to the target. However, they lost three wickets for six runs, adding to the 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.
