Fast bowler Salman Mirza said that he’s optimistic about Pakistan’s chances to reach the T20 World Cup 2026 semi-finals. Pakistan’s fate currently hangs by a thread going into their last Super 8 match against Sri Lanka on February 28 in Pallekele. Pakistan will remain in the competition only if England defeat New Zealand in Colombo.
A New Zealand win would see Pakistan eliminated, while a loss could give them a chance to advance based on net run rate. Mirza acknowledged that the team cannot control external results and can only focus on their final Super 8 match against Sri Lanka.
“Yes, absolutely. There is enough capability in Pakistan that they not only reach the semi-final but also do very well. And as you said, it is hanging by a thread – now that is not in our control. We are just watching our match and hopefully will do well in that,” Mirza said in the pre-match press conference.
“Sir, regardless of today’s game or tomorrow’s game, we can’t control it and we are just focusing on our game and we will try to do best in that,” Mirza added.
HOW PAKISTAN HAVE PERFORMED IN T20 WC
Pakistan have had an up-and-down campaign in the World Cup so far. They began their tournament on a positive note, defeating the Netherlands by three wickets, thanks to key contributions from Sahibzada Farhan and Faheem Ashraf.
They followed that with another solid win over the United States, securing a 32-run victory with Farhan once again leading the batting effort.
However, their momentum was halted by a 61-run defeat to India in Colombo. Pakistan bounced back strongly with a commanding 102-run win against Namibia, as Farhan scored a century and the bowlers produced a dominant performance to seal a comprehensive victory.
The Super 8 stage has been less favourable. A rain-affected no result against New Zealand in Colombo dented their chances of qualifying for the semifinals.
Their struggles continued when England edged them out by two wickets in Pallekele, with Harry Brook’s century proving decisive. That defeat significantly complicated Pakistan’s qualification hopes, leaving their path to the semifinals dependent on other results and net run rate.
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