How can Pakistan qualify for T20 WC 2026 semifinal after NZ vs PAK Super 8 clash got abandoned?

The opening Super 8 clash of the T20 World Cup 2026 between Pakistan and New Zealand at the R. Premadasa Stadium in Colombo got abandoned due to rain. The prediction was of the rain making its presence felt for the entire evening, and the exact picture took place during the game as the umpire finally made the call after nearly three hours from the beginning of the fixture.

Pakistan came into the Super 8 stage of the tournament with three wins in four games. Their victories came against the Netherlands, the United States of America (USA), and Namibia, besides losing to the arch-rivals India at the RPS in Colombo. Post this abandoned clash against the Kiwis, they are scheduled to meet England and Sri Lanka.

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The Salman Ali Agha-led side will now need to win their next two clashes against England and hope that the Harry Brook-led side will beat the co-hosts Sri Lanka at the Pallekele International Cricket Stadium in Kandy. They will also want the New Zealand side to beat Sri Lanka, which will be a massive bonus for the Pakistan side.

Can Pakistan qualify for T20 World Cup 2026 semifinals?

If New Zealand got the better of England in the penultimate Super 8 clash of the competition, then the game between Pakistan and Sri Lanka will not matter most. In that case, the Blackcaps finish on five points, and Pakistan will have three points, and both will qualify for the semis.

“Fakhar is playing, and Nafay is not playing. We have one pacer, Faheem Ashraf - he is a good all-rounder. So we have 2 pacers and a lot of spin options. They are a quality side, we know that. We have to play our A game, and that is what we look forward to today.” Agha expressed at the toss presentation against the Blackcaps which hints their playing XI for the next game. 

Pakistan’s next match of the Super 8 stage in the tournament will be against England on February 24 at the Pallekele International Cricket Stadium in Kandy. If that gam gets washed out, then there will be concerns over their qualification in the semifinals.