Cricket fans around the world were hoping to see India vs Pakistan in the T20 World Cup 2026 semi-final. For millions of fans, there is no bigger match in cricket than this one. The excitement was building up with every game.
But on February 24, England beat Pakistan in the Super 8, and that result ended all hopes of an India vs Pakistan T20 World Cup 2026 knockout match. Harry Brook’s brilliant century sealed Pakistan’s fate. Now, an IND vs PAK semi-final in the T20 WC 2026 is simply not possible. The only chance left is if both teams meet in the final.
Harry Brook’s Century That Ended India vs Pakistan T20 WC 2026 Semi-Final Dream
Harry Brook scored a brilliant century to power England to their second Super 8 win, and in doing so, sealed their T20 World Cup 2026 semi-final spot from Group 2. It was a match that changed the entire picture of the tournament.
Pakistan came into the game knowing they had to win, but their batting completely collapsed under pressure. Salman Agha’s side simply had no answer to England’s disciplined bowling attack. With this loss, Pakistan now sits with just one point in the Super 8 table. England, on the other hand, looked strong, confident, and completely in control throughout the match, making them a serious contender for the title.
No India vs Pakistan in T20 World Cup 2026 Semis
In the T20 World Cup 2026 semi-final format, the Group 1 winner plays the Group 2 runner-up, and the Group 2 winner takes on the Group 1 runner-up. India is in Group 1, and Pakistan is in Group 2. This means the two sides can only meet in the semis if they finish in the same position in their respective groups — that is, both finishing as group winners or both as runners-up.
However, with England already confirming their place at the top of Group 2, Pakistan cannot finish as group winners. This single result completely rules out any chance of an India vs Pakistan knockout clash in T20 WC 2026 at the semi-final stage.
Can India and Pakistan Still Qualify for the T20 World Cup 2026 Semi-Finals?
Pakistan have just 1 point in the Super 8, earned from a washed-out game against New Zealand. Even if they win their last fixture, they can only reach 3 points. India sit third in Group 1 behind South Africa and West Indies, with a worrying NRR of -3.800. Suryakumar Yadav’s side must win both remaining games against Zimbabwe and West Indies, and win them big. Both teams are hanging by a thread.
ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 Super 8 Standings — Group 1 & Group 2
| Team | Group | Points | NRR |
|---|---|---|---|
| South Africa | Group 1 | 2 | +ve |
| West Indies | Group 1 | 2 | +ve |
| India | Group 1 | 0 | -3.800 |
| Zimbabwe | Group 1 | 0 | -ve |
| England | Group 2 | 4 | +ve |
| New Zealand | Group 2 | 1 | +ve |
| Pakistan | Group 2 | 1 | -ve |
| Sri Lanka | Group 2 | 0 | -ve |
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What’s Next for India and Pakistan at T20 World Cup 2026
The semi-final dream is gone, but both India and Pakistan are still fighting to stay in the tournament. India must win their remaining two games and hope their NRR improves drastically. Pakistan needs a miracle.
Cricket fans and experts around the world have expressed huge disappointment on social media, with many calling it a massive loss for the tournament’s viewership and commercial value. However, one small hope remains, if both teams somehow make it to the final, the world will get the blockbuster India vs Pakistan T20 World Cup 2026 clash it has been waiting for.
