Kandy, February 23, 2026 — Pakistan will take on England in their second Super 8 match of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 at the Pallekele International Cricket Stadium on Tuesday, February 24, 2026. The match is scheduled to start at 6:30 PM PKT and promises to be a high-stakes encounter as both teams aim to secure their semifinal spots.
Super 8 Drama Continues
The 2026 ICC Men’s T20 World Cup has been marked by unpredictability, and the Super 8 stage has only intensified the competition. England and Pakistan are set for a clash that could significantly shape the knockout stage. A win for either side will boost their chances of advancing, but consistency remains a challenge for both teams.
England’s Form and Challenges
England have shown flashes of brilliance but have yet to deliver a fully convincing performance. Their league stage was a balancing act, and the Super 8 opener against Sri Lanka tested them at every turn. Key performers include Jacob Bethell, the tournament’s leading run-scorer for England with 146 runs, and Will Jacks, whose all-round contributions with bat and ball have been pivotal.
However, England face concerns at the top. Jos Buttler has struggled, averaging just 12 in the tournament with three consecutive single-digit scores. Captain Harry Brook also seeks more consistency, with just 49 runs in his last four innings aside from a lone fifty. Phil Salt provided a bright spot with a brisk 62 against Sri Lanka, anchoring the innings effectively.
Pakistan’s Hunt for Rhythm
Pakistan have faced disruption, as their Super 8 clash against New Zealand in Colombo was washed out, leaving them nearly a week without competitive action. Sahibzada Farhan has been a standout performer, scoring 220 runs from four innings, but support from the middle order has been inconsistent.
Captain Babar Azam will need to up his strike rate from 115.78 to help Pakistan compete in high-pressure situations. Saim Ayub and skipper Salman Agha are yet to find consistent form, and the middle order will need to step up for Pakistan to challenge a strong England side.
Spin Battle Key at Pallekele
Spin bowling is expected to dominate at Pallekele, as seen in previous matches. Pakistan’s Usman Tariq has taken eight wickets at an average of 8.37, making him a key threat to England’s batting lineup. England, however, have their own spin strengths, with Adil Rashid and Jofra Archer delivering crucial wickets in recent matches.
Team Form (Last 5 T20Is, Most Recent First)
• England: W W W L W
• Pakistan: W L W W W
What to Expect
Both teams are yet to play at full throttle, making this a must-watch fixture. England aim to consolidate their position at the top of the table, while Pakistan looks to gain momentum after their washed-out match. Fans can expect a blockbuster clash full of high drama, pivotal spin battles, and potentially match-defining performances.