T20 World Cup 2026 Super 8: Pakistan’s semifinal hopes hang by a thread after recent loss

In a nail-biting Super 8 clash of the T20 World Cup 2026 in Pallekele, England cricket team edged past Pakistan national cricket team by two wickets on Tuesday.

The victory secured a semifinal berth for the side led by Harry Brook, making them the first team to advance to the final four.

Chasing a target of 165, England stumbled early as Shaheen Afridi (4/30) struck during the powerplay, reducing the two-time champions to 53/3 within six overs.

Batting at No. 3, Brook steadied the innings and shifted momentum in England’s favor. While Jos Buttler (2), Tom Banton (2), and Jacob Bethell (8) failed to make significant contributions, Brook built a crucial 45-run partnership with Sam Curran (16) for the fifth wicket, sparking England’s comeback.

From a precarious 58/4, Brook guided England to 155/6 before being dismissed in the 17th over. Will Jacks then played a vital cameo of 28 off 23 balls but fell in the 19th over alongside Jamie Overton.

Needing just three runs in the final over with two wickets remaining, Jofra Archer clinched victory with a boundary off the first delivery, sealing a dramatic win.

Earlier, Pakistan posted 164/9, powered by a solid 63 from the in-form Sahibzada Farhan. However, the rest of the batting lineup failed to capitalize on their starts, leaving the total slightly short in the end.

Despite pushing the match to the final over and claiming late wickets, Pakistan fell just short as England held their nerve to become the first semifinalists of the T20 World Cup 2026.