Are Pakistan out of the 2026 T20 World Cup?

Sri Lanka have been on the receiving end of a chastening 61-run defeat to New Zealand, who bested the hosts resoundingly. With this result, the semi-finals race has narrowed further, with Sri Lanka now out of the picture. 

Pakistan are still alive but only just

While New Zealand are ahead in the race for the second spot, Pakistan, as luck would have it, still have a somewhat realistic chance to live through to the next stage.

Sri Lanka's winning would have boosted Pakistan’s chances. However, now their progression depends upon the Net Run Rate, and of course, England beating New Zealand on Friday.

Currently, New Zealand have three points, the maximum Pakistan, who have only one point, can reach.

NRR will decide who stays

If New Zealand suffer a heavy defeat in their final Super Eights fixture against England, who are already through to the semis, and Pakistan convincingly defeat Sri Lanka the next day, both Pakistan and New Zealand will finish with three points. In that case, qualification will depend on the NRR, where Pakistan need to finish ahead.

In case of a washout in either of the two remaining games, Pakistan will be effectively eliminated, with New Zealand going ahead.

Additionally, with Sri Lanka already out of the race, the prospect of them hosting the semi-final and final hinges entirely on Pakistan. If Pakistan crash out, the first semi-final will be played in Kolkata, while the final will be staged in Ahmedabad. 

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