KANDY: England cricket team edged past Pakistan cricket team by two wickets in a thrilling Super Eights encounter of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 at Pallekele International Cricket Stadium on Tuesday, securing a place in the semi-finals.
Opting to bat first, Pakistan posted 164 for nine in their allotted 20 overs after captain Salman Ali Agha’s decision failed to yield the desired result. Opener Sahibzada Farhan led the scoring with a brisk 63 off 45 balls, hitting seven fours and two sixes. Babar Azam and Fakhar Zaman chipped in with 25 runs each, while all-rounder Shadab Khan added a quick 23 off 11 deliveries towards the end.
For England, Liam Dawson was the most successful bowler with three wickets for 24 runs, while Adil Rashid and Jofra Archer claimed two wickets each.
In reply, England achieved the 165-run target on the first ball of the final over, losing eight wickets. Captain Harry Brook starred with a match-winning 100 off 51 balls, including 10 fours and four sixes. Will Jacks (28) and Sam Curran (16) provided valuable support.
Pakistan’s pace spearhead Shaheen Shah Afridi impressed with figures of four for 30, while Usman Tariq Nawaz picked up two wickets.
The win marked England’s second consecutive victory in the Super Eights, making them the first team to qualify for the semi-finals and consolidating their position at the top of Group 2 with four points. Pakistan slipped to third place behind New Zealand cricket team after their opening Super Eights fixture against the Blackcaps was washed out due to rain in Colombo.
Pakistan’s chances of reaching the semi-finals now depend on other results. They need New Zealand to lose both remaining matches against Sri Lanka cricket team and England, along with securing a victory over Sri Lanka in their final Super Eights match scheduled at the same venue on Saturday. If New Zealand win one match, Pakistan would require a comprehensive victory over Sri Lanka to surpass them on net run rate and claim the second qualifying spot.