Pakistan vs England: Super Eight T20 World Cup – team news, start time, XI
Al Jazeera
February 23, 2026
AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary
Pakistan and England are set to clash in an eagerly anticipated match of the 2026 ICC Men’s T20 World Cup Super Eight on Tuesday, with semifinal qualification on the line. Pakistan, despite their stunning defeat by India in the group stage, boasts a formidable squad capable of challenging any team. Meanwhile, England has been building momentum, riding on standout performances and a dominant victory over host nation Sri Lanka in their Super Eight opener.
For Pakistan, a win is crucial after their first Super Eight match against New Zealand was abandoned due to rain, leaving them without a result. A loss would hand England an automatic semifinal spot, while Pakistan would need to defeat Sri Lanka in their final match and hope for favorable results elsewhere. Historically, Pakistan has struggled against England in T20 World Cup encounters, having lost all three previous meetings.
England’s recent form suggests they are rounding into form, with Will Jacks leading the charge as the tournament’s standout batsman. Captain Harry Brook’s side currently tops Group 2 on net run rate after their commanding 51-run win over Sri Lanka. Pakistan, however, aims to exploit England’s inconsistent batting against spin, as highlighted by Pakistan’s Sahibzada Farhan, who noted England’s struggles against Sri Lanka’s spin attack.
Weather conditions in Kandy look promising for Tuesday’s match at Pallekele International Cricket Stadium, with a forecast of 33 degrees Celsius and only a 25% chance of rain. This contrasts sharply with Pakistan’s abandoned opener against New Zealand in Colombo, where persistent rain forced a no-result outcome. A full match is expected, providing a definitive result that could significantly alter the semifinal landscape.
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Originally published on Al Jazeera on 2/23/2026