The formula is familiar for Pakistan: get a big win and move on. (Image credit: Agencies)
Pakistan’s path to the semi-finals of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 was cut short by one simple draw after England’s dramatic four-wicket win over New Zealand reshaped the Group B table in Colombo.England, led by Harry Brook, finished the Super 8 stage unbeaten with three wins from three, and secured first place with six points after their victory at R Premadasa Stadium. What had previously looked like a complicated qualification scenario, has now turned into a straight shootout for Pakistan in the final.
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New Zealand, despite Friday’s defeat, remain in second place with three points and a healthy net run rate of +1.390. Pakistan are in third place with one point from two matches and a net run rate of -0.461.The equation for Pakistan is clear but difficult. If they bat first against Sri Lanka, they must win by at least 64 runs. In the chase, they need to overhaul the target within 13.1 overs to leapfrog New Zealand in net run rate.Saturday’s match between Pakistan and Sri Lanka at the Pallekele International Cricket Stadium is a knockout blow for Pakistan. A big win sends them to the semi-finals and eliminates New Zealand.
Anything less, and New Zealand advances as the second team from Group B.History gives Pakistan hopePakistan has been through similar high-pressure scenarios before.In the 1996 KCA Centenary Championship in Nairobi, they found themselves needing a big win over Sri Lanka to reach the final. Asked to bat, Pakistan amassed 371/9 at the Gymkhana Club Stadium, powered by a sensational 102 off just 40 balls from 16-year-old Shahid Afridi and 115 from Saeed Anwar.To qualify, Pakistan had to restrict Sri Lanka to less than 290. Their bowlers delivered – Waqar Younis took 5/52, Saqlain Mushtaq took 4/33, and Afridi scored 1/43 as Sri Lanka were bowled out for 289. An 82-run win ensured Pakistan’s place in the final.Nearly three decades later, in Pallekele, Pakistan faces another challenge that must be won by a large margin.The formula is familiar: win big, move on.
