KANDY, Sri Lanka: Pakistan managed to post a competitive total of 164 against England in a Super Eight clash of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 here at Pallekele International Cricket Stadium on Tuesday.
Opting to bat first after winning the toss, Pakistan’s innings was built around a magnificent knock from opener Sahibzada Farhan, who top-scored with 63 runs off just 45 balls, including seven boundaries and two sixes.
Early setbacks
The innings got off to a shaky start as Pakistan lost their in-form opener Saim Ayub early.
Ayub, who looked aggressive during his brief stay, managed just 7 runs off 7 balls before being caught by Jacob Bethell off the bowling of Jofra Archer in the second over.
Captain Salman Ali Agha also failed to make an impact, scoring only 5 runs before being caught by Jamie Overton off Liam Dawson’s delivery in the third over, leaving Pakistan struggling at 27 for 2.
Babar and Farhan steady the ship
Babar Azam then joined forces with Sahibzada Farhan to resurrect the innings.
The pair added 46 runs for the third wicket, with Babar looking in decent touch during his 24-ball stay, scoring 25 runs.
However, just as the partnership was flourishing, Babar fell victim to Jamie Overton in the 11th over, caught behind for 25.
A good start from Sahibzada Farhan gets Pakistan going in their key Super 8 clash against England 👊
His half-century is one of our @marriottbonvoy Milestones of the #T20WorldCup 👏 pic.twitter.com/i3fR7gs4x6
— ICC (@ICC) February 24, 2026
Farhan’s fighting fifty
Sahibzada Farhan continued his aggressive strokeplay at the other end, bringing up his well-deserved fifty off just 35 balls.
He found an able partner in Fakhar Zaman, who smashed 25 off just 16 balls, including two boundaries and two massive sixes.
The pair added 49 runs for the fourth wicket, taking Pakistan past the 100-run mark and setting the platform for a late assault.
Farhan eventually fell for 63 in the 16th over, trapped lbw by Overton, ending a crucial innings that held the Pakistani batting together.
Middle-order collapse
What followed was a dramatic collapse that saw Pakistan lose wickets in clusters.
Shadab Khan provided some late fireworks, scoring a rapid 23 off just 11 balls with four boundaries, but his dismissal in the final over, run out by a brilliant piece of fielding from Bethell and Buttler, summed up Pakistan’s late innings woes.
Usman Khan (8 off 5) and Mohammad Nawaz (0) departed in quick succession, both falling to the left-arm spin of Liam Dawson, who emerged as the pick of the English bowlers.
Shaheen Shah Afridi managed only 2 runs before being caught by Sam Curran off Archer’s bowling.
Salman Mirza remained unbeaten on 2 runs as Pakistan finished at 164 for 9.
England bowling performance
Liam Dawson was the standout bowler for England, claiming three crucial wickets for just 24 runs in his four overs. Jofra Archer and Jamie Overton chipped in with two wickets each, while Adil Rashid picked up one.
Archer was economical, conceding 32 runs in his four overs, while Overton went for 26 in his three-over spell. Dawson’s tight bowling in the middle overs put the brakes on Pakistan’s scoring rate at crucial moments.
Match situation
Pakistan will rely on their bowling attack, led by Shaheen Shah Afridi, to defend the total on a Pallekele pitch that has offered assistance to spinners throughout the tournament.
England, boasting a formidable batting lineup featuring the likes of Jos Buttler, Phil Salt, and captain Harry Brook, will fancy their chances of chasing down the target, especially given their historical dominance over Pakistan in T20 World Cup encounters.
