Pakistan’s chances of reaching the T20 World Cup semi-finals are uncertain once again after their narrow loss to England in the Super Eights. The high-pressure match was held at the Pallekele International Cricket Stadium on Tuesday.
England secured a two-wicket victory and became the first team from Group 2 to qualify for the semi-finals. Meanwhile, Pakistan dropped to third place in the table.
Batting first, Pakistan posted 164/9 in 20 overs. Sahibzada Farhan top-scored with 63 off 45 balls, striking seven fours and two sixes.
Babar Azam and Fakhar Zaman added 25 runs each. Shadab Khan provided late momentum with 23 off 11 deliveries.
However, England chased down the target with five balls remaining. As a result, Pakistan’s qualification hopes now depend on other outcomes in Group 2.
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Their Super Eights opener against New Zealand was washed out due to rain. Consequently, Pakistan have just one point from two matches.
To keep their Pakistan T20 World Cup semi-final chances alive, they must defeat Sri Lanka in their final Super Eight fixture on Saturday. Additionally, they need New Zealand to lose both of their remaining matches against Sri Lanka and England.
If New Zealand win one of those games, Pakistan would then require a strong victory over Sri Lanka to boost their net run rate. With the group stage nearing its conclusion, Pakistan’s path to the semi-finals remains possible but complicated.
