Pakistan face a crucial Super 8 clash against England in the T20 World Cup. A loss won’t immediately eliminate them, but their semi-final hopes would depend on other results and net run rate calculations in a tense Group 2 battle.
Pakistan's path to semi-finals will be decided today (Image Source: Internet)
New Delhi: Pakistan’s campaign in the Super 8 stage of the T20 World Cup began with frustration, as their opening match was washed out due to rain. Led by Salman Ali Agha, the team had to settle for just one point without getting a chance to compete. Now, all eyes are on their crucial clash against England at the Pallekele International Cricket Stadium in Kandy.
England enter this contest with momentum, having defeated Sri Lanka in their first Super 8 match. For Pakistan, however, the situation is far more delicate. Fans are asking the big question: if Pakistan lose today, will they be eliminated from the semi-final race?
The short answer is no — not immediately.
If Pakistan lose to England, they will have just one point from two matches. While that puts them in a difficult position, they will still mathematically remain in contention for a semi-final spot. However, their qualification hopes would depend heavily on other results in Group 2.
In that scenario, Pakistan would need New Zealand to lose both of their remaining matches — against Sri Lanka and England. At the same time, Pakistan must win their final group match against Sri Lanka. If that happens, Pakistan could finish with three points, Sri Lanka with two, and New Zealand with none — keeping Pakistan’s hopes alive.
There is also another possible outcome that could complicate matters.
If both Pakistan and New Zealand defeat Sri Lanka, and England beat New Zealand, then Pakistan and New Zealand would both end up with three points. In that case, qualification would be decided by Net Run Rate (NRR). A superior NRR would determine which team advances to the semi-finals.
This makes not just victories, but the margin of victories and defeats, extremely important for Pakistan.
Pakistan’s early elimination becomes certain only if New Zealand win both of their remaining matches — against Sri Lanka and England. That would give New Zealand five points, while England would have four. In such a situation, Pakistan would be knocked out even before playing their final group match.
February 24 – England vs Pakistan
February 25 – Sri Lanka vs New Zealand
February 27 – England vs New Zealand
February 28 – Sri Lanka vs Pakistan
The England vs Pakistan match will be played at the Pallekele International Cricket Stadium in Kandy. The match starts at 7:00 PM, with the toss scheduled for 6:30 PM. It will be broadcast live on the Star Sports Network and streamed on the JioHotstar app and website.
With qualification scenarios tightening, today’s clash is nothing short of a must-watch thriller.
