New Zealand had slumped to 84/6 in 12.1 overs after losing four wickets in a dramatic middle-order collapse
Shanaka apologised to his country for the disappointing ouster from the Super Eight stage after a 61-run loss to New Zealand, following a 51-run defeat at the hands of England
While dismissing panic, Kotak acknowledged that selection conversations are active. "There can be changes, yes," he admitted when asked about possible alterations involving Samson and Axar
A 2-wicket win courtesy of a Harry Brook hundred for England on the night meant that the Three Lions have confirmed their qualification into the semi-final with 2 wins in as many games.
Pakistan currently have just one point from a shared result, leaving them with two must-win games against heavyweights England and co-hosts Sri Lanka.
ICC T20 World Cup HIGHLIGHTS: Sri Lanka has become the first team to be eliminated from the Super 8 round of the ICC T20 World Cup 2026
Sri Lanka are under immediate pressure following a heavy 51-run loss to England national cricket team in their Super Eight opener.
New Zealand's Super Eight opener against Pakistan was washed out without a ball being bowled due to persistent rain in Colombo.
The Black Caps head into this game having had their Super Eight opener against Pakistan abandoned due to persistent rain, which left both teams sharing a point.
Ever since Gautam Gambhir took charge of team selection, the strategy has leaned heavily toward including all-rounders.
India will be desperate to make a strong comeback against Zimbabwe on Thursday after the heavy 76-run defeat at the hands of South Africa in their Super 8 opener in Ahmedabad on Sunday.
If Pakistan qualify for the semi-finals, they will feature in Semi-final 1 in Colombo on March 4. In that scenario, Colombo becomes the confirmed venue for the fixture.
There will also be a refund in case Sri Lanka qualify and play their semi-final against any other team apart from India.
Middle-order batter Rinku Singh on Tuesday returned home, owing to an emergency situation in the family, BCCI sources informed PTI.
Pakistan have just 1 point sin 2 games now with their game against Sri Lanka a must win match for them in order to get that 2nd semis spot.
England head into the contest high on confidence after securing an emphatic 51-run win over Sri Lanka.
England will aim to take one step closer to semifinal qualification with a win over Pakistan today
The toss for the England vs Pakistan Super 8 match in the ICC T20 World Cup 2026 will take place at 6.30 pm IST.
To qualify for the semi-finals of ICC T20 World Cup 2026, India need to win their remaining two matches - against Zimbabwe and West Indies - by big margins.
West Indies registered four comprehensive victories over Scotland, England, Nepal, and Italy to finish as group leaders.