The washout against New Zealand in Colombo (Feb 21) was a frustrating start for Pakistan, as it converted a high-potential 2-point game into a 1-point split. With only two games left in the Super 8s, the margin for error is now razor-thin.
Here are the possible qualification combinations for Pakistan to reach the semi-finals:
1. The "Clean Sweep" Path (Most Likely)
Scenario: Pakistan wins both remaining matches (vs England & vs Sri Lanka).
• Result: Pakistan finishes with 5 points (1 + 2 + 2).
• Outcome: This almost certainly guarantees a spot. Only a very specific mathematical "three-way tie" at 5 points could threaten this, but even then, Pakistan’s NRR (boosted by two wins) would likely carry them through.
2. The "Win One, Lose One" Path (Risky)
Scenario: Pakistan wins one game (e.g., beats England) but loses the other (e.g., loses to Sri Lanka).
• Result: Pakistan finishes with 3 points.
• Outcome: To qualify with 3 points, Pakistan needs:
🏟️ Pallekele Pitch Report for PAK vs ENG
• Batter's Paradise (Initially): The fresh pitch at Pallekele usually allows for high scores (170+) in the first innings.
• Slowing Down: As the match progresses into the second innings, the track becomes "tacky," meaning the ball grips. This is where Abrar Ahmed and Shadab Khan will become lethal.
• Toss Factor: Because the chance of rain is low but humidity is high, the captain winning the toss might still choose to bowl first to take advantage of any early moisture and avoid bowling with a wet ball if dew sets
Pitch Report: Ahmedabad
The pitch for this match is expected to be a "Hybrid Surface" (a mix of red and black soil), which usually offers a more balanced contest than the sticky black-soil tracks seen earlier in the tournament.
• Batting Friendly: Unlike the "grind-it-out" pitches in the group stages, this strip is anticipated to be a 170-180 run surface.
• Green Tinge: Early reports suggest a slight greenish look under the covers, which might offer initial swing for bowlers like Arshdeep Singh and Marco Jansen.
• The Spin Factor: While South Africa’s Quinton de Kock mentioned he doesn't expect much spin, the red soil component usually ensures the ball grips slightly as the match progresses, keeping Varun Chakaravarthy and Keshav Maharaj in the game.
•
🏏 Probable Playing 11
India
India is likely to bring back Axar Patel to provide better balance on his home ground in Ahmedabad.
• Ishan Kishan (wk): In red-hot form (SR 200+).
• Abhishek Sharma: Under pressure after three ducks, but expected to be backed.
• Tilak Varma / Sanju Samson: Tilak has struggled with strike rate; Samson is a strong alternative.
• Suryakumar Yadav (c): The anchor and aggressor.
• Hardik Pandya: Vital as the third seamer.
• Shivam Dube: The designated spin-hitter.
• Rinku Singh: The specialist finisher.
• Axar Patel: Returns for his local knowledge and all-round utility.
• Jasprit Bumrah: The leader of the attack.
• Arshdeep Singh: Critical for early swing.
• Varun Chakaravarthy: The mystery element to squeeze the middle overs.
South Africa
The Proteas will welcome back David Miller and Marco Jansen, who were rested in their final group game.
• Quinton de Kock (wk): Loves playing against India.
• Aiden Markram (c): Their most consistent batter this tournament.
• Ryan Rickelton: Excellent against spin.
• Tristan Stubbs: The dynamic middle-order aggressor.
• David Miller: The experienced "Killer Miller" returns.
• Dewald Brevis: "Baby AB" provides the X-factor.
• Marco Jansen: Dangerous with the new ball on this pitch.
• George Linde / Corbin Bosch: Depending on whether they want an extra spin option or pace.
• Keshav Maharaj: The primary spinner.
• Kagiso Rabada: The pace spearhead.
• Anrich Nortje / Lungi Ngidi: Nortje for raw pace; Ngidi for variations.
📊 Match Facts
• Time: 7:00 PM IST, Feb 22, 2026.
• Head-to-Head: India leads 18–12 in T20Is.
• Stadium Stat: 10 out of 15 T20Is here have been won by the team batting first, but the dew factor tonight might tempt the toss-winner to bowl first.
[2/22, 2:18 AM] Rohit Juglan Sir: Tags - Rohit Juglan, Abhishek Sharma, Sitanshu Kotak, Sanju Samson, Tilak Varma, India Playing 11 vs South Africa, Narendra Modi Stadium Practice, Pakistan Semifinal Scenarios, PAK vs NZ Washout, Pakistan vs England Virtual Quarter Final, Cricket News, T20 World Cup 2026, Indian Cricket Team News, Babar Azam, India vs South Africa Super 8.
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[2/22, 2:20 AM] Rohit Juglan Sir: Hashtags:
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