The Pakistan vs England Super 8 encounter at Pallekele was an instant classic that saw Harry Brook become the first captain in T20 World Cup history to score a century. Chasing 165, England were left reeling at 35/3 after a ferocious opening spell from Shaheen Shah Afridi (4/30). However, Brook—promoted to No. 3 in a tactical masterstroke—played an innings for the ages, smashing 100 off 51 balls. Despite a late wobble that saw England lose 3 wickets for 6 runs, Jofra Archer struck the winning boundary with five balls to spare, making England the first team to qualify for the semi-finals.
Match Summary: The Captain’s Charge and Pakistan’s Pain
ICC T20 World Cup 2026 - Super 8 - Pakistan vs England
England’s two-wicket victory was a testament to “Bazball” spirit in the T20 format. Earlier, Pakistan posted a competitive 164/9, anchored by a solid 63 from Sahibzada Farhan. England’s spinners, led by Liam Dawson (3/24), triggered a late-innings collapse where Pakistan lost 6 wickets for just 52 runs. The chase started disastrously for England as Phil Salt fell for a golden duck. Yet, Brook’s calculated assault on the Pakistani spinners in the middle overs of this Pakistan vs England Super 8 match flipped the script. While Shaheen Afridi gave Pakistan a fighting chance with a late double-strike, England held their nerve to seal their fifth successive semi-final berth.
Playing XI
Pakistan
Sahibzada Farhan, Saim Ayub, Salman Agha (C), Babar Azam, Fakhar Zaman, Usman Khan (WK), Shadab Khan, Mohammad Nawaz, Shaheen Afridi, Salman Mirza, Usman Tariq.
England
Philip Salt, Jos Buttler (WK), Harry Brook (C), Jacob Bethell, Tom Banton, Sam Curran, Will Jacks, Liam Dawson, Jamie Overton, Jofra Archer, Adil Rashid.
Key Stats & Records From Today's Match:
Captain’s Record: Harry Brook is the first captain to score a century in T20 World Cup history.
Fastest Ton: Brook’s 50-ball hundred is the joint-second-fastest in T20 World Cup history.
Semi-Final Streak: England has now qualified for the semi-finals in 5 consecutive T20 World Cups.
Shaheen’s Feat: Shaheen Afridi now has the most Powerplay wickets in T20 World Cup history.
Opening Woes: Pakistan has failed to register a 50-run opening stand in their last four matches.
Innings Breakdown
First Innings: Farhan’s Anchor and the English Fightback
In the first half of the Pakistan vs England Super 8, Sahibzada Farhan continued his sublime form with a controlled 63 off 45 balls. Pakistan navigated the Powerplay well, reaching 55/2, but were consistently pegged back by the discipline of Liam Dawson. Babar Azam and Fakhar Zaman both contributed 25 runs, but neither could capitalize on their starts. England’s pacers, Archer and Overton, were clinical at the death, ensuring Pakistan failed to reach the psychological 170-mark.
Second Innings: The Shaheen Storm and Brook’s Brilliance
The chase was a roller-coaster. Shaheen Afridi removed Salt on the very first ball and followed up with Buttler and Bethell to leave England in tatters. Harry Brook then played the most significant innings of his career. He took on the mystery spin of Usman Tariq and the leg-spin of Shadab Khan, hitting 10 fours and 4 sixes. His 100-run milestone was greeted with a standing ovation, and though he fell shortly after, the damage was done. Pakistan fought back with late wickets of Jacks and Overton, but Archer’s cool head saw England home.
Top Performers
Harry Brook (100 off 51 balls) - Player of the Match
Brook’s performance in the Pakistan vs England Super 8 was historic. By promoting himself to No. 3, he took ownership of the chase. His century (the second-fastest by an Englishman in T20 WCs) was a mix of classic drives and brutal pull shots. He became the first-ever captain to reach three figures in this tournament, solidifying his status as a world-class leader.
Shaheen Shah Afridi (4/30 off 4 overs) - The Speed King
Shaheen proved why he is feared globally. His opening spell was a masterclass in swing bowling, taking 3 wickets for 17 runs in the Powerplay. He returned to dismiss the centurion Brook, nearly pulling off a miracle for Pakistan. His four-fer, though in a losing cause, was the most impactful bowling performance of the Super 8s so far.
Liam Dawson (3/24 off 4 overs) - The Control Specialist
Dawson was the unsung hero who set up the win. On a pitch that offered turn, his accuracy made it impossible for the Pakistani middle order to score. His three wickets, including the captain Salman Agha, ensured England weren’t chasing a 200+ total on a tricky Pallekele track.
Key Moments & Turning Points: The "Bat-Stuck" Run Out
The Promotion: Head coach Brendon McCullum’s decision to promote Harry Brook to No. 3 proved decisive. Brook reached his fifty in 28 balls and his century in 50, neutralizing Pakistan’s spin threat early.
Dawson’s Triple Blow: With Pakistan looking set for 180+ at 122/3, Liam Dawson removed Usman Khan and Mohammad Nawaz in successive deliveries. This stalled the momentum completely.
The 17th Over Carnage: England needed 41 off 30. Brook targeted the 17th over, taking 14 runs off Usman Tariq, which brought the equation down to a manageable run-a-ball.
The "Baz Masterstroke": Why No. 3 Changed Everything
Harry Brook has spent most of his international career as a “finisher” at No. 5. However, Brendon McCullum’s decision to push him to No. 3 was a strategic pivot intended to counter Pakistan’s “spin-brake” tactic. By coming in during the Powerplay, Brook was able to face 20 balls before the field spread, allowing him to get ahead of the required rate. This meant that when Pakistan introduced the “mystery” of Usman Tariq, Brook was already set, rendering the tactical pause of the spinner ineffective.
What This Result Means for Group 2 - England Goes To The Semi-Finalw
The result is definitive: England is through to the semi-finals. They have 4 points and a healthy NRR, meaning their final game against New Zealand is purely for seeding. For Pakistan, the situation is dire. With only 1 point from two games, they must beat Sri Lanka and hope that New Zealand loses their remaining fixtures. If the Black Caps win their next game, Pakistan will be officially eliminated from the 2026 T20 World Cup.
T20 World Cup 2026 Super-8 Group 2 Points Table
Super 8 - Group 2 Points Table
Match Highlights - Pakistan vs England Super 8
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