England’s slim victory over New Zealand in Colombo has thrown Pakistan a lifeline within the T20 International Cup 2026. What gave the look of a near-certain go out simply 24 hours in the past has now became a realistically achievable trail to the semi-finals for the Salman Ali Agha-led crew.
On the R. Premadasa Stadium, New Zealand posted 159/7 after opting to bat first as their innings by no means rather took off in spite of to hand contributions from their batters. England’s spinners, led through Adil Rashid and Rehan Ahmed, ran in the course of the center overs, making sure the Black Caps completed with their lowest general of the match.
In answer, England misplaced Phil Salt and Jos Buttler, and at 117/6 within the seventeenth over, the chase seemed a ways clear of them. However Will Jacks and Rehan Ahmed added 44 runs off simply 16 balls, dismantling Glenn Phillips in a 22-run over sooner than completing the process with 3 balls to spare. England gained through 4 wickets, finishing the Tremendous 8 degree unbeaten and confirming their semi-final berth.
Significantly, their win left New Zealand stranded on 3 issues as a substitute of 5. Had the Black Caps gained, Pakistan would had been knocked out. As an alternative, the loss has stored Pakistan alive within the festival.
Pakistan’s qualification state of affairs
Pakistan these days sits on one level after a washout in opposition to New Zealand and a defeat to England. With New Zealand on 3 issues, Pakistan will have to beat Sri Lanka of their last Tremendous 8 conflict in Pallekele to transport degree on issues. Then again, a easy win may not be sufficient as Web Run Charge (NRR) will come to a decision who joins England within the semi-finals from Staff 2.
State of affairs 1:
If Pakistan bats first, they will have to defeat Sri Lanka through no less than 64 runs.
State of affairs 2:
If Sri Lanka bats first, Pakistan will have to chase down the objective in 13.1 overs or fewer. Anything else in need of that, and New Zealand will development to the semi-finals.
Up to date Issues Desk (Tremendous 8 Staff 2)
| SR.No | Staff | Fits | Issues | Web Run Charge |
| 1 | England (Q) | 3 | 6 | 1.096 |
| 2 | New Zealand | 3 | 3 | 1.390 |
| 3 | Pakistan | 2 | 1 | – 0.461 |
| 4 | Sri Lanka (E) | 2 | 0 | – 2.800 |
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