The high-voltage ENG vs PAK Super 8 T20 World Cup 2026 encounter at the Pallekele International Cricket Stadium ended with England captain Harry Brook’s mind-boggling 50-ball century that led the team to a wicket win against Pakistan.
Pakistan scored 164/9 in 20 overs, with the help of a gritty half-century from Sahibzada Farhan. Harry Brook also became the first captain of T20 World Cup history to smash a century that too while chasing. He also got the player of the match award for his exceptional performance.
Pakistan Post 164/9 After Farhan’s Gritty 63
Batting first, the Pakistan national cricket team overcame initial struggles to reach a respectable 164/9.
Key Performers for Pakistan:
Sahibzada Farhan – 63 off 45 balls
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Babar Azam – 25 runs
Fakhar Zaman – 25 runs
Farhan held the innings together after the initial wickets, keeping the scoreboard moving and helping Pakistan reach the 160s.
England’s Best Bowlers:
Liam Dawson – 3 wickets
Jofra Archer – 2 wickets
Jamie Overton – 2 wickets
Dawson’s double strike in the 18th over was critical in preventing Pakistan from reaching 175+.
ENG vs PAK: England’s Chase Begins With Early Drama
England’s chase of 165 got off to a nightmarish start as Shaheen Afridi removed Phil Salt on the very first ball. Shaheen then removed Jos Buttler cheaply, putting England under pressure at 17/2. Pakistan seemed to be in control, but Harry Brook had other plans.
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Harry Brook’s Captain’s Knock Changes the Game
With wickets falling at the other end, Harry Brook played one of the most exquisite innings of the tournament.
Harry Brook’s Match-Winning Highlights:
- Scored 50 off 28 balls
- Smashed a century in just 50 deliveries
- Attacked spin and pace with his counterattacking innings
Harry Brook was dominating bowlers such as Shadab Khan and Mohammad Nawaz, hitting boundaries at key moments. Although Shaheen Afridi managed to get him out eventually, the damage had already been done. England were cruising towards victory at 155/6 in 17 overs, and Pakistan’s hopes of making it to the semi-finals were left hanging.
Turning Points in ENG vs PAK Match
Shaheen Afridi’s Fiery Opening Spell
Shaheen became the first Pakistan bowler to take a wicket on the first ball of a T20 World Cup match, which set the tone right from the start.
Dawson’s Double Blow
Liam Dawson’s double blow in the 18th over halted the acceleration of Pakistan’s innings.
Brook’s 17-Run Over Against Shadab
The single over in which Brook hit 17 runs turned the entire match around in favor of England.
Usman Tariq’s Dropped Catch
The dropped catch was a turning point in the match as it allowed England to recover.
Quick 3 wickets dismissal at the end for England
Even though England were in a comfortable position to win the match but Harry Brook got bowled by Shaheen Afridi, later Will Jacks and Jamie Overton got dismissed by Nawaz. But in the last over Jofra Archer smashed a four on the 1st ball against Salman Mirza & England qualified in the semi-finals of the T20 World Cup 2026.
Match Summary: ENG vs PAK Super 8 Clash
Pakistan – 164/9 (20 overs)
Sahibzada Farhan – 63
Babar Azam – 25
Fakhar Zaman – 25
Liam Dawson – 3 wickets
England – 155/6 (17 overs at last update)
Harry Brook – 100 (50 balls)
Shaheen Afridi – Key early wickets
What This Means for the Semi-Final Race
The outcome of this ENG PAK encounter may have a major effect on the Super 8 points table of the T20 World Cup 2026. England became 1st team to qualify for the semi-final. Pakistan are left with no option but to win in their remaining matches. Net run rate may prove to be a turning point
ALSO READ: Can India Reach Semi-Finals? India Qualification Scenario In T20 World CUP 2026
