What Happened
In a closely contested match during the 2026 ICC Men’s T20 Cricket World Cup, Pakistan faced a narrow defeat against England at the Pallekele International Cricket Stadium on February 24, 2026. Pakistan batted first, managing to score 164 runs for the loss of 9 wickets. Despite a strong performance from opener Sahibzada Farhan, who scored 63 runs, the team struggled to build significant partnerships.
Why It Matters
Shaheen Shah Afridi, who returned to the playing XI after being dropped in previous matches, showcased his bowling prowess by taking 4 wickets for 30 runs, including the key wicket of centurion Harry Brook. However, Afridi expressed disappointment over the team’s inability to establish a solid batting foundation during the middle overs, which he believes cost them the match. “In a wicket like this, you need a partnership and you need a set batsman in that position who can bat throughout the middle overs,” Afridi stated.
What’s Next
Following this defeat, Pakistan will need to reassess their strategy as they continue in the Super 8 stage of the tournament. The team management is likely to focus on strengthening their batting order to avoid similar pitfalls in future matches. Afridi’s return to form is a positive sign, but the team must find a way to convert good individual performances into collective success.
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