MUMBAI: Pakistan national cricket team remain in contention for a semi-final place in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup after England cricket team defeated New Zealand national cricket team in a crucial Super Eight match. The result ensured that Pakistan’s hopes of progressing to the knockout stage are still alive, though qualification now depends on both victory and net run rate in their final game.
England’s victory confirmed their dominance in the group and secured their own passage into the semi-finals. At the same time, it left New Zealand’s campaign hanging in the balance and opened a narrow path for Pakistan to move ahead in the standings. With New Zealand having completed all their Super Eight matches, their qualification chances now depend entirely on Pakistan’s final result.
Pakistan still have one Super Eight fixture remaining, against Sri Lanka national cricket team, and the outcome of that match will determine which team advances to the semi-finals. A win is essential for Pakistan, but the margin of victory will be just as important because net run rate is likely to decide the final position in the group.
New Zealand currently hold the advantage on net run rate, which means Pakistan must register a convincing win to overtake them. If Pakistan bat first, they will need to post a strong total and restrict Sri Lanka to secure a large margin of victory. Calculations suggest that a win by around 60 or more runs could be required, depending on the final totals.
If Pakistan bowl first and chase, the requirement becomes even tighter. In that scenario, they would need to reach the target quickly, potentially within roughly 13 overs, to gain enough of a net run rate boost to move ahead of New Zealand. A slower chase, even if successful, might not be sufficient to secure qualification.
The situation has effectively turned Pakistan’s final Super Eight match into a knockout encounter. While New Zealand can only wait and watch, Pakistan have one last opportunity to control their own destiny and claim the remaining semi-final berth.
The high stakes ensure a tense finish to the group stage. Pakistan must deliver not just a win but a dominant performance if they are to extend their campaign. Anything less could see New Zealand advance instead, bringing Pakistan’s tournament run to an end just short of the semi-finals.
