KANDY: In the Super 8 stage of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup, England defeated Pakistan by 2 wickets in a thrilling contest at Pallekele to qualify for the semi-finals, thanks to a brilliant century by captain Harry Brook.
Pakistan captain Salman Ali Agha won the toss and chose to bat first. Pakistan posted 164 runs for 9 wickets in their 20 overs. In reply, England chased down the target in the final over, finishing at 165 for 8.
Pakistan’s batting struggled to build strong partnerships, as Saim Ayub scored 7 runs and captain Salman Ali Agha made 5. Babar Azam and Fakhar Zaman contributed 25 runs each, while Usman Khan added 8 runs and Shadab Khan scored 23.
Sahibzada Farhan once again impressed, scoring 63 runs off 45 balls. Mohammad Nawaz was dismissed for 0, while Shaheen Shah Afridi made 2 runs.
For England, Liam Dawson took 3 wickets, while Jamie Overton and Jofra Archer picked up 2 wickets each.
England had an early scare as Phil Salt was dismissed on the first ball by Shaheen Afridi. Jos Buttler scored 2 before falling to Shaheen, and Jacob Bethell managed 8 runs. Tom Banton was dismissed for 2.
However, Harry Brook played a match-winning knock of 100 runs off 51 balls, leading his team to victory. Will Jacks contributed 28 runs.
For Pakistan, Shaheen Afridi took 4 wickets, while Mohammad Nawaz and Usman Tariq claimed 2 wickets each.
With this win, England became the first team to qualify for the semi-finals of the tournament.
It is worth noting that Pakistan’s earlier Super 8 match against New Zealand was washed out due to rain, with both teams receiving one point each. Pakistan will now play their final Super 8 match against Sri Lanka on February 28.
