ICC Men's Т20 World Cup 2026, Super 8: England vs Pakistan
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ICC Men's Т20 World Cup 2026, Super 8: England vs Pakistan
In a marquee Super 8 matchup that carries the weight of a 2022 Final rematch, England and Pakistan face off in Match 5 of the second round.
Taking place at the Pallekele International Cricket Stadium in Kandy, this fixture is a definitive crossroads for both nations. England, led by Harry Brook, is looking to refine their "Bazball-lite" approach on Sri Lankan tracks, while Salman Ali Agha's Pakistan side is riding a wave of momentum after snatching the final Super 8 spot with a clinical demolition of Namibia. Catch every moment live on Willow by Cricbuzz on TrillerTV.
Head-to-Head: The Championship Rivalry England has historically held the upper hand in recent major encounters, most notably defeating Pakistan in the 2022 T20 World Cup Final at the MCG. However, in subcontinental conditions, the rivalry becomes a tactical chess match between England's power-hitters and Pakistan's mystery spinners.
Overall T20Is: England leads 19-9.
T20 World Cup History: England leads 3-0 (including the 2022 Final).
Recent Series: England won their most recent T20I series against Pakistan 2-0 in May 2024.
Kandy Record: This is their first T20I meeting at Pallekele, a venue where the ball traditionally grips and turns in the evening session.
Team Form & Recent Results England (W-L-W-W-L) The defending 2022 champions reached the Super 8s after a resilient run in Group C. Despite a narrow loss to the West Indies, they secured their spot with a dominant win over Italy, headlined by Will Jacks hitting the fastest fifty in England's T20 World Cup history.
Group Stage: Qualified 2nd from Group C.
Last Result: Defeated Italy by 24 runs (Feb 16, 2026).
Strength: A versatile batting order where Tom Banton and Harry Brook have adapted quickly to the slower Sri Lankan surfaces.
Pakistan (W-L-W-W-L) Pakistan enters the Super 8s as the tournament's "comeback kings." After a crushing 61-run defeat to India, they were on the brink of elimination before a massive 102-run win over Namibia allowed them to edge past the USA on Net Run Rate.
Group Stage: Qualified 2nd from Group A.
Last Result: Defeated Namibia by 102 runs (Feb 18, 2026).
Players in Focus Adil Rashid (England): The veteran leg-spinner remains England's most vital weapon in Pallekele. His ability to stifle Pakistan's middle order-as he did in the 2022 Final-will be the cornerstone of England's defense.
Salman Ali Agha (Pakistan): Not just a tactical captain, but a frontline match-winner. His recent four-wicket haul proves he is the primary threat to England's aggressive top order on turning tracks.
Will Jacks (England): The "Powerhouse." Coming off a record-breaking fifty against Italy, his battle against Pakistan's new-ball attack will determine if England can post a par-plus total.
Abrar Ahmed (Pakistan): The "Mystery." Pakistan has relied heavily on his unorthodox variations to bridge the gap against Full Member nations, and he remains the bowler England's batters fear most in the middle overs.