T20 world cup: England reach semifinal and set record, surpass India in this matter

New Delhi (The Uttam Hindu): England defeated Pakistan in the Super 8 match played on Tuesday to secure a place in the semifinals of the T20 World Cup 2026. With this, England became the first team to qualify for the semifinals in the current edition of the tournament. This is the fifth consecutive time that England have reached the semifinals of the T20 World Cup. Since 2016, England have consistently played in the semifinals of every T20 World Cup.

Earlier, Pakistan (2007 to 2012) and Sri Lanka (2009 to 2014) had also reached four consecutive semifinals. In T20 World Cup history, England have now equaled Pakistan for the most semifinal appearances. Pakistan have played six semifinals, and England have now reached their sixth semifinal as well. India have reached the semifinals five times.

By qualifying for the semifinals for the sixth time, England have matched Pakistan and moved ahead of India in this record. India still have an opportunity to equal England and Pakistan by reaching the semifinals in the ongoing tournament.

England have played three T20 World Cup finals — in 2010, 2016 and 2022. They won the title in 2010 by defeating Australia and again in 2022 by beating Pakistan. However, they lost the 2016 final against West Indies.

India have also played three T20 World Cup finals. They won the title in 2007 by defeating Pakistan. In 2014, India lost to Sri Lanka in the final. In 2024, India secured their second title by defeating South Africa.

Pakistan have played three finals — in 2007, 2009 and 2022. They lost to India in 2007 and to England in 2022. Pakistan won their only T20 World Cup title in 2009 after defeating Sri Lanka.