The ongoing T20 World Cup 2026 has taken a dramatic turn, as Pakistan National Cricket remains in the race for the semifinals, thanks to England. Everything changed for Pakistan when England stunned New Zealand in a high-pressure clash on Friday (February 27).
The Black Caps were just one win away from booking their semi-final ticket. But England produced a stunning performance in the last three overs and managed to win the match by four wickets to finish their Super 8 round unbeaten. If New Zealand had won that game, they would have qualified for the semi-finals.
Pakistan’s T20 World Cup 2026 semi-final hopes revived by England
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But since England won the thriller, 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 must beat Sri Lanka in their final Super 8 match in Pallekele on Saturday, February 28, with a big margin to push them into the semi-finals from Group 2 alongside England.
Saqlain Mushtaq urges Pakistan and fans to stay positive and unite in Ramadan
Reacting to the situation, the legendary spinner Saqlain Mushtaq has backed the Pakistan team to believe in destiny. He urged players and fans to stay positive and keep 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: “Qudrat ka Nizam should happen. There should be. I think you have to be optimistic all the time. Obviously, all the boys and the whole nation will want this (semifinal spot). And the system of nature is based on belief. If everyone believes that there should be, if everyone’s willingness is there, then why not? There should be. And why not? It is the month of Ramadan. So, why not? There should be.”
Saqlain Mushtaq said, “Qudrat ka Nizam should happen, and it will happen. The whole nation wants it, the players want it. This Nizam is directly linked to Tawakkul, so why shouldn’t it happen? It will happen.”pic.twitter.com/Ccv2SJTylA
— Salman. (@TsMeSalman) February 28, 2026
Salman Mirza backs Salman Ali Agha and his family
Meanwhile, pacer Salman Mirza has criticised fans who abused captain Salman Ali Agha and his family on social media. He said that criticism is fine in sports, but dragging family members into it is completely wrong.
Pakistan must beat Sri Lanka by a big margin to reach the semi-finals, so the pressure is very high. Well, Agha’s captaincy decisions were slammed by many former players and fans. His move to promote himself to number 3 instead of Babar Azam has been questioned by many.
The Men in Green captain’s poor form has added to the fire. In six matches, Agha has scored only 60 runs, which left many disappointed and questioned his call to drop Babar in the order.
Mirza said as quoted by The Indian Express: “…. any such act which targets a player’s family is a very shameful thing. Because the player always wants to do good on the ground. If he doesn’t perform well on any given day, that doesn’t mean you should target their families. And I don’t think this should happen at all.”
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