The ongoing T20 World Cup 2026 has taken a dramatic turn as Pakistan remains in the race for the national cricket semi-finals thanks to England. Everything changed for Pakistan when England defeated New Zealand in a high-pressure encounter on Friday (February 27).
The Black Caps were just one win away from booking a semi-final ticket. But England performed brilliantly in the last three overs and won the match by four wickets to complete their unbeaten run in the Super 8 round. Had New Zealand won that match, it would have qualified for the semi-finals.
England revive Pakistan’s T20 World Cup 2026 semi-final hopes
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But since England pulled off a thrilling win, the Men in Green now have a strong chance of making it to the semi-finals of the ongoing T20 World Cup 2026. Now, Pakistan will have to defeat Sri Lanka by a big margin in their final Super 8 match in Pallekele on Saturday, February 28 to reach the semi-finals from Group 2 along with England.
Saqlain Mushtaq urges Pakistan and fans to stay positive and united in Ramadan
Reacting to the situation, great spinner Saqlain Mushtaq has backed the Pakistan team to believe in luck. He urged the players and fans to remain positive and keep the faith. The former Pakistan coach believes that when there is unity, and everyone has strong faith and hope, good things can happen, especially during the holy month of Ramadan.
Saqlain Mushtaq said on Tapmad: “There should be a system of nature. There should be. I think you have to be optimistic all the time. Obviously, all the boys and the whole country would like this (semi-final spot). And the system of nature is based on belief. If everyone believes that there should be, if everyone has a desire, then why not? Should happen. And why not? It is the month of Ramzan. So, why not? Should happen.”
Saqlain Mushtaq said, “There should be a system of nature, and it will happen. The whole country wants it, the players want it. This system is directly linked to tawakkul, so why should it not happen? It will happen.”pic.twitter.com/Ccv2SJTylA
-Salman. (@TsMeSalman) 28 February 2026
Salman Mirza supports Salman Ali Aga and his family
Meanwhile, fast bowler Salman Mirza has criticized the fans who abuse captain Salman Ali Aga and his family on social media. He said that criticism is fine in sports, but dragging family members into it is completely wrong.
Pakistan will have to defeat Sri Lanka by a big margin to reach the semi-finals, so the pressure is very high. Well, Agha’s captaincy decisions were criticized by many former players and fans. Many people have raised questions on his move to promote himself at number 3 in place of Babar Azam.
The poor form of the Men in Green captain has added fuel to the fire. In six matches, Agha has scored only 60 runs, leaving many disappointed and questioning his decision to drop Babar down the order.
Mirza was quoted by The Indian Express as saying, “…any act that targets a player’s family is a very shameful thing. Because a player always wants to perform well on the field. If he doesn’t perform well on any given day, it doesn’t mean you should target their families. And I don’t think that should happen at all.”
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