Pakistan’s premier left-arm pacer Shaheen Afridi returned to the side and picked up a four-fer against England in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 encounter. At Pallekele International Cricket Stadium, Afridi’s four-fer went in vain as skipper Harry Brook led his side to victory with a century. With Pakistan’s first Super 8 game against New Zealand washed out and second resulting in a loss, Afridi has pinned his hopes on Sri Lanka. The pacer hopes New Zealand lose to co-hosts which increases Pakistan’s chances of reaching the semifinal.
“These things happen in cricket. But we are still in the tournament, anything can happen. We are thinking that we get this one opportunity. Firstly, we should win this match. I hope New Zealand loses their match,” Afridi said in the post-match press conference.
How Pakistan can qualify for the semifinals?
Sri Lanka are scheduled take on New Zealand on February 25 at R.Premadasa Stadium, Colombo. On February 28, Pakistan go up against Sri Lanka in Pallekele. Sri Lanka lost their first game against England.
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If New Zealand lose to Sri Lanka and Pakistan beat the co-hosts, their chances increase. Even if New Zealand beat England, Pakistan will have a set target to qualify on the basis of net run rate (NRR). With one win, Sri Lanka won’t go ahead as they will have two points, compared to New Zealand and Pakistan who will have three points as per the scenario.
Afridi on getting dropped
The 25-year-old was dropped after a dismal show against India in Colombo. He missed the game against Namibia and wasn't named in the playing eleven for New Zealand Super 8 encounter either. The bowling all-rounder defended head coach Mike Hesson’s decision.
“Yes, you said I was dropped,” Shaheen said. “But my focus was to work on my bowling, how to come back, and maintain my normal things so that I can give good results.”
Afridi was asked whether he had a point to prove against England on comeback.
“I don’t need to prove to anyone,” he said. “My job is whenever I have an opportunity, I will go and give 100 percent for my team.”
Afridi has a good record against Pakistan's next opponents, Sri Lanka. From two T20Is in the preparatory series, he picked six wickets at an average of 7.66 and conceded runs at 6.57 runs per over.