England beat Pakistan by two wickets to enter T20 World Cup semifinals
Al Jazeera
February 24, 2026
AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary
England secured a thrilling two-wicket victory over Pakistan in their Super Eight match at the T20 World Cup, advancing to the semifinals while leaving Pakistan on the brink of elimination. Captain Harry Brook's century under pressure proved decisive as England chased down a challenging 165-run target set by Pakistan at Pallekele International Cricket Stadium. Despite an early collapse that saw Phil Salt and Jos Buttler fall cheaply, Brook's steady yet aggressive batting anchored the chase, combining with Will Jacks' crucial partnership to steer England to victory.
Pakistan's innings was spearheaded by Sahibzada Farhan, who scored a rapid 63 runs off 45 balls, while Babar Azam and Fakhar Zaman also contributed significantly. However, England's bowlers, led by Liam Dawson with figures of 3-24, tightened their grip in the middle overs to restrict Pakistan to 164-9. The match saw Brook bring up his century but then fell just shy of completing a memorable unbeaten knock. This triggered a late batting collapse for England, leaving them teetering before Jofra Archer's crucial boundary sealed the win.
England's victory was their second in the Super Eight stage, earning them four points and solidifying their place in the semifinals. Pakistan, now on just one point after two games, faces an uphill battle to advance. They must hope for favorable results from their upcoming matches against Sri Lanka and New Zealand to salvage their tournament hopes. Meanwhile, England will face New Zealand in their next fixture, aiming to extend their winning streak and further cement their position as strong contenders for the title.
This match not only showcased Brook's leadership and composure under pressure but also highlighted the fine margins that decide outcomes in high-stakes cricket. For fans of both teams, the stakes could not be higher as England looks to build momentum toward a potential final clash with Pakistan in the semifinals or beyond. The outcome of this game has shifted dynamics in Group 2, with Sri Lanka and New Zealand also in the mix for qualification, adding another layer of intrigue to the tournament's progression.
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Originally published on Al Jazeera on 2/24/2026