The group stage is over, and now the ICC T20 World Cup Super 8 2026 is officially starting, and it has delivered the biggest upset of the decade. Australia is going home. After a disastrous run of form and a rained-out match for Zimbabwe, the 2021 Champions have been knocked out before the real tournament even begins. Meanwhile, Pakistan survived the early scares, officially punching their ticket to the Super 8s after a 102-run demolition of Namibia. But the road to the semi-finals is brutal. Here is the complete breakdown of Pakistan’s path forward.
1. T20 World Cup Super 8 – Groups
The eight surviving teams have been split into two groups of four. You must finish in the Top 2 of your group to reach the Semi-Finals.
- Group 1: India, South Africa, West Indies, Zimbabwe.
- Group 2: Pakistan, England, New Zealand, Sri Lanka.
(Note: There is no India vs. Pakistan match in this round. The only way the two rivals meet again is if both reach the Semi-Finals or Final).
2. Pakistan’s Schedule (Group 2)
Group 2 is the unquestionable “Group of Death.” Pakistan will be playing all their matches in Sri Lanka (Colombo and Kandy).
- Match 1: Pakistan vs. New Zealand
- Date: Saturday, Feb 21
- Venue: Colombo (7:00 PM)
- The Stakes: A must-win. Starting the Super 8s with a loss puts immediate pressure on the Net Run Rate.
- Match 2: Pakistan vs. England
- Date: Tuesday, Feb 24
- Venue: Kandy (7:00 PM)
- The Stakes: The ultimate revenge game for the 2022 World Cup final.
- Match 3: Pakistan vs. Sri Lanka
- Date: Saturday, Feb 28
- Venue: Kandy (7:00 PM)
- The Stakes: Playing the co-hosts in their own backyard. This could very well be a virtual quarter-final.
The full schedule can be seen here.
Verdict
With Australia out of the picture, the tournament is wide open. Pakistan has the bowling attack to dominate the spin-friendly pitches in Kandy and Colombo. If Saim Ayub and Babar Azam can handle the powerplay against Boult and Archer, the trophy is entirely within reach.
Who do you think will qualify for the Semi-Finals from Group 2? Drop your predictions below.