T20 World Cup: Pakistan spinners stand between England and a semi-final
BBC World
February 23, 2026
AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary
England’s path to a T20 World Cup semi-final is fraught with challenges as they face Pakistan’s formidable spin attack. The article highlights England’s recurring issue against spin bowlers, which has been evident throughout the tournament. Despite their historical strength in batting against spin, England has struggled significantly in this edition of the World Cup, with four of their top five batsmen falling victim to spin during a recent match. This vulnerability contrasts sharply with their performance in pre-tournament series, where they had managed to score effectively against similar challenges.
Pakistan’s spinners, known for their variety and potency, have been a key factor in their team’s success so far. With bowlers like Usman Tariq and Mohammad Nawaz, Pakistan has consistently utilized spin to create pressure and disrupt opponents. England’s inability to handle this threat has led to crucial dismissals at critical moments, including four consecutive wickets to spinners against Italy and six in a row during their loss to the West Indies.
The article also delves into England’s defensive strategies and the struggles of key players like Harry Brook and Jos Buttler. Brook, who was dismissed by a spinner four times in a row, has faced significant issues against spin, averaging just 19.1 runs against it compared to his impressive 46.2 against pace. Jacob Bethell has been particularly vulnerable, getting out to a spinner every time he has batted.
Despite these challenges, England remains hopeful. Their recent dominance at Pallekele’s venue and the possibility of playing on a fresh pitch offer them some hope. However, Pakistan’s spin attack, led by the enigmatic Usman Tariq, poses a significant threat. His unique bowling action and strategic deployment after the 10-over mark make him a tough proposition for England to counter.
The outcome of this match will determine whether England can overcome their batting struggles and secure a place in the semi-finals. The article underscores the importance of spin in modern T20 cricket, where it often becomes the decisive factor in high-stakes matches like these.
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Originally published on BBC World on 2/23/2026