Pakistan to be knocked out of T20 World Cup if today's England vs New Zealand match is washed out in Colombo
by Naman Jain · Inside Sport IndiaPakistan's opportunity for T20 World Cup semi-finals qualification is hugely dependent on today's England vs New Zealand game.
Pakistan won’t take the field on Friday, but their T20 World Cup could effectively end before they even get a chance to fight. All eyes in the Men in Green camp will be fixed on Colombo, where England face New Zealand in a crucial Super 8 Group 2 clash. The equation is brutally simple for Salman Ali Agha and his men. If New Zealand win or if rain washes the match out, Pakistan are out of the T20 World Cup 2026.
England have already sealed their semi-final berth with two wins from two. New Zealand, unbeaten with one win and one no result, sit in pole position for the second spot. Pakistan, meanwhile, are clinging on mathematically.
T20 World Cup Super 8 Group 2 points table
| Position | Team | M | W | L | N/R | Points | NRR |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | England (Q) | 2 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 4 | +1.491 |
| 2 | New Zealand | 2 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 3 | +3.050 |
| 3 | Pakistan | 2 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 1 | -0.461 |
| 4 | Sri Lanka (E) | 2 | 0 | 2 | 0 | 0 | -2.800 |
Pakistan hope for no rain in ENG vs NZ
A washout would give New Zealand a point, taking them to four, which will be enough to join England in the last four. A Kiwi win does the same. Pakistan’s hopes survive only if England beat New Zealand.
Even then, it won’t be straightforward. Pakistan must defeat Sri Lanka in their final game and do so by a significant margin. New Zealand’s net run rate stands at a towering +3.050 after their 61-run hammering of Sri Lanka. Pakistan, in contrast, are at -0.461. Overhauling that gap would require a dominating victory.
However, Pakistan would want England to put their best foot forward, something that they haven’t done yet. England, already through, could experiment. Their openers have struggled, registering just one 50-plus stand across 12 innings in the tournament. Against Pakistan, Harry Brook single-handedly won England the game, while his teammates didn’t bat well at all. Whether they tinker or go full strength could have major implications for Pakistan.
New Zealand, though, have looked comfortable against spin-heavy attacks and handled Sri Lanka’s six-spinner strategy with composure. On a tacky Premadasa surface, their spin options in Mitchell Santner, Rachin Ravindra, Glenn Phillips and Cole McConchie could once again be decisive.
Colombo Weather Report for ENG vs NZ
For once, Pakistan fans might welcome clear skies more than anyone else. Rain has disrupted several games in Sri Lanka during this World Cup, but forecasts suggest a full match is likely on Friday. Temperatures are expected to hover between 24°C and 28°C, with humidity above 75 percent. Light winds of around 8-10 km/h are predicted, and there is little chance of significant showers.
If the weather holds, Pakistan will at least have clarity. If it doesn’t, their campaign ends without a fight. Pakistan play Sri Lanka in what will be the last Super 8 Group 2 game on Saturday, February 28.