T20 World Cup 2026: Pakistan set 165-run target for England in Super 8 encounter

Pallekele (Web Desk): In a high-stakes Super Eight encounter of the ICC T20 World Cup 2026, Pakistan posted 164 for 9 against England, setting a target of 165 runs at the Pallekele International Cricket Stadium.

After winning the toss, Pakistan captain Salman Ali Agha chose to bat first, but the decision initially appeared costly as the team suffered an early setback. Saim Ayub was dismissed for 7 with the score at 14, falling to Jofra Archer. The pressure mounted when Salman Ali Agha was sent back for just 5, leaving Pakistan struggling in the early overs.

Former captain Babar Azam then combined with Sahibzada Farhan to stabilise the innings. The pair added valuable runs to lift the total to 73 before Babar departed for 25.

Farhan continued to anchor the innings and brought up a well-crafted half-century. However, he was trapped lbw with Pakistan on 122, halting the momentum at a crucial stage. Fakhar Zaman injected pace into the innings with a brisk 24 off 16 deliveries, while Shadab Khan provided late impetus with a quick 23, guiding Pakistan to a competitive total by the end of their 20 overs.

England’s bowling attack kept tight control throughout the innings. Jamie Overton, Jofra Archer, Liam Dawson and Adil Rashid delivered disciplined spells, preventing Pakistan’s batters from building sustained momentum.

For this crucial fixture, Pakistan made a significant change to their playing XI, recalling star pacer Shaheen Shah Afridi in place of all-rounder Faheem Ashraf.

Teams 

Pakistan: Sahibzada Farhan, Saim Ayub, Salman Ali Agha (capt), Babar Azam, Fakhar Zaman, Shadab Khan, Usman Khan (wk), Mohammad Nawaz, Shaheen Afridi, Salman Mirza, and Usman Tariq

England: Phil Salt, Jos Buttler (wk), Jacob Bethell, Tom Banton, Harry Brook (capt), Sam Curran, Will Jacks, Liam Dawson, Jamie Overton, Jofra Archer, and Adil Rashid