Cricket fans hoping for a India vs Pakistan semi-final in ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 will be disappointed, as the latest Super 8 results have mathematically ruled out this specific matchup. Following England’s win over Pakistan in their Super 8 clash on February 24, the tournament bracket has shifted in a way that prevents India and Pakistan from meeting in T20 World Cup 2026 semifinals.
T20 World Cup uses a crossover semi-final format:
Semi-Final 1: Winner of Group 1 vs. Runner-up of Group 2.
Semi-Final 2: Winner of Group 2 vs. Runner-up of Group 1.
With England securing the top spot in Group 2, Pakistan can now only qualify as the runner-up (second team to qualify from Group 2, if other results fall their way).
Meanwhile, India – following their heavy loss to South Africa – is also fighting for the runner-up spot in Group 1 as South Africa will secure number 1 spot in Group 1.
Since both India and Pakistan are now on a trajectory to finish second in their respective groups, they would be placed on opposite sides of the bracket, making a semi-final clash impossible.
Hybrid Model & Venue Shift
Under ICC’s Hybrid Model, any India-Pakistan knockout match was pre-designated to take place at R. Premadasa Stadium in Colombo. However, because the teams can no longer meet in the semi-finals, the following venue rules apply:
India’s Venue: If India qualifies, they will play their semi-final in Mumbai, as they cannot face Pakistan in the last four.
Pakistan’s Venue: If Pakistan pulls off a miracle qualification, they will play their semi-final in Colombo, but against the winner of Group 1 (likely South Africa or West Indies).
Is IND vs PAK T20 World Cup Final Still Possible?
IND vs PAK semi-final dream is over, but India vs Pakistan in T20 World Cup Final still remains a theoretical possibility. If both India and Pakistan win their respective semi-final matches, they would meet in the T20 World Cup Final. However, given their current standings and negative Net Run Rates, both teams face an uphill battle just to reach the knockout stage.
