Pakistan find themselves in a precarious position in Group A of the T20 World Cup after a crushing 61-run defeat to India pushed them down to third place.
With only the top two teams progressing to the Super 8 stage, Pakistan (4 points from 3 matches, NRR -0.403) must now win their final group game against Namibia, and hope results go their way. India (6 points, NRR +3.050) has already sealed qualification, while the USA (4 points from 4 matches, NRR +0.788) currently occupy the second spot.
Amid the tense qualification scenario, a video of Shadab Khan has gone viral on social media. In the clip, a fan asks him, “So, you are here till the semi-finals?” — likely referring to Pakistan’s fixtures in Sri Lanka. Shadab confidently replies, “Till the final.”
Shadab Khan said, “We will play the final.” pic.twitter.com/ycnA5kK7iE
— Sherry. (@CallMeSheri1_) February 17, 2026
The timing of the video is unclear, and it may have been recorded before the India match. However, following the heavy defeat, the resurfaced clip has triggered widespread trolling online.
Under Captain Salman Ali Agha, Pakistan’s campaign has unexpectedly turned into a fight for survival. What appeared to be a straightforward route to the Super 8 has now become a high-pressure situation.
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The batting unit is under intense scrutiny after faltering badly against India in Colombo. Former skipper Babar Azam, openers Sahibzada Farhan and Saim Ayub, along with captain Agha, will need to shoulder responsibility in the must-win clash.
Babar, in particular, has come under fire after managing just five runs off seven balls against India, with calls for his omission growing louder.
Pakistan were rattled early, slumping to 13 for 3 against the pace duo of Jasprit Bumrah and Hardik Pandya. The middle order failed to recover, raising concerns even ahead of the Namibia fixture.
Shaheen Shah Afridi also endured a rare off day. The pace spearhead picked up just one wicket while conceding over 31 runs in two overs. His lack of rhythm was evident, especially when he leaked 15 runs in a crucial over that shifted momentum decisively in India’s favour.
The only positive for Pakistan was Saim Ayub’s three-wicket haul, which briefly put India’s top order under pressure.
Now, with qualification hanging in the balance, Pakistan must regroup quickly both mentally and tactically, if they are to keep their World Cup hopes alive.
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