Will Pakistan qualify for the semis if the ENG vs NZ match is washed out?

In a decisive fixture of the Group 2 matches in the ICC T20 World Cup 2026 Super 8 round, England will take on New Zealand today at the R Premadasa Stadium in Colombo. The match will be important for New Zealand and Pakistan, as their hopes of joining England in the semifinal round from the group depend on the outcome of the match.

A win for New Zealand will confirm their final four finish, while a win for the already qualified English side will keep Pakistan’s journey in the tournament up and running. 

However, what will happen to Pakistan’s semifinal chances if the England vs New Zealand match gets washed out in Colombo? Take a look.

If the England vs New Zealand Super 8 clash in the ICC T20 World Cup 2026 is washed out on Friday, both teams will share a point each. In that scenario, England will finish as Group 2 leaders with five points, while New Zealand will progress to the next stage with four points, which would also eliminate Pakistan from the tournament.

For New Zealand, either a win or a washout will be enough to secure qualification. Pakistan, meanwhile, will remain in contention only if England defeat New Zealand.

Pakistan have only one scenario that can take them to the semifinals of the ICC T20 World Cup 2026, and it all depends on England’s win over New Zealand. If England beat New Zealand, the English side will finish the Super 8 round as Group 2 leaders with six points, while New Zealand will be stuck at three points.

Pakistan, who are currently third in the standings with one point, will then have to beat Sri Lanka by a big enough margin to better the net run rate of New Zealand. If Pakistan manage to pull this off, they will qualify for the next round. Anything less than this will see the Kiwis going through.