England became the first team to confirm their place in the semi-finals of the 2026 ICC Men’s T20 World Cup after defeating Pakistan on Tuesday, as Pakistan’s promotion hopes suffered a setback.
After a loss to England and a crushing defeat to New Zealand, Pakistan no longer controls its path to the semi-finals. With England already qualified, Pakistan, Sri Lanka and New Zealand will battle it out for the remaining semi-final spots in Group 2.
England started their Super 8 season with a 51-run win over Sri Lanka in Kandy on Sunday, followed by another victory over Pakistan at the same venue on Tuesday. Captain Harry Brook scored his first T20I century to take the team home. He also became the first captain in the history of T20 World Cup to score a century.
Pakistan’s progress into semi-finals
If New Zealand wins the remaining matches against Sri Lanka and England, Pakistan will be eliminated even if they beat Sri Lanka.
If New Zealand loses both games, Pakistan will advance by beating Sri Lanka. If New Zealand loses a match, Pakistan still has a chance, but qualification may depend on net run rate.
Pakistan were unable to improve their net run-rate after losing to England in the final. They reduced England to 58/4 in the eighth over while defending 166 but could not end the game.
Brooke, who was promoted to No. 3, rebuilt the innings with a 45-run stand with Sam Curran before adding 52 runs with Will Jacks to turn the game in England’s favour. He reached his maiden T20I hundred with six runs through cover and four through midfield.
When Brook came off, England were 155/6, close to the target. However, they lost three wickets for six runs, adding to the tension late in the chase. In the last over, Jofra Archer needed three runs with two wickets in hand and he completed the match with a four-wicket haul through mid-wicket.
