New Zealand Lost, Sri Lanka Won... Why are Pakistanis Praying for This Now?
Pakistan is in a desperate situation in the T20 World Cup 2026 Super-8 stage following a loss to England, and bowler Shaheen Afridi is hoping Sri Lanka will defeat New Zealand to keep Pakistan's semifinals hopes alive.
In the Super-8 matches of the T20 World Cup 2026, Pakistan finds itself in a precarious 'do or die' scenario after suffering a defeat to England despite an impressive bowling performance by Shaheen Afridi. With the team needing to secure victory in their remaining matches, Afridi has expressed hope that Sri Lanka can defeat New Zealand to maintain Pakistan's chances of advancing to the knockout stage. The situation is critical for the Pakistani team, requiring strategic outcomes from other matches to keep their tournament hopes alive.
Afridi's performance against England was notable, as he took four wickets, showcasing his talent and ability on the field. However, a stunning century from England's captain Harry Brook ultimately shifted the game's momentum in favor of England, leading to Pakistan's loss. The match played at the Pallekele International Cricket Stadium left the team in a challenging position, particularly following their previous match, which was washed out due to rain, complicating their chances in the tournament.
Following the match, Afridi remained optimistic, stating that such outcomes are part of cricket. He emphasized the need for Pakistan to focus on winning their next match before contemplating their path ahead in the tournament. As the dynamics of the Super-8 stage unfold, the performance of other teams could significantly influence Pakistan's fate, highlighting the unpredictable nature of the tournament and the emotional investment of fans who are now praying for beneficial outcomes from other matches.