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ENG vs PAK: ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 | Match Prediction, Squads, Live Score & Stats
Match Overview
- Fixture: England vs Pakistan
- Tournament: ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 – Super Eights, Group 2
- Match: 45th Match, Super Eights, Group 2
- Date & Time: 24 February 2026, 7:00 PM IST
- Venue: Pallekele International Cricket Stadium, Kandy, Sri Lanka
Match Preview
The ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 Super Eights stage brings England and Pakistan together in a crucial Group 2 match at Pallekele. This is a night game where things can change as the match progresses. Both teams need points and at this stage every match carries weight.
England come with a structured and balanced team. Their batting revolves around aggressive stroke play and sequences through depth. Harry Brooke leads the team and anchors the middle overs while guiding the tempo of the innings. England will look to score quickly in the Powerplay and maintain pressure through partnerships. Their approach is straightforward and modern and built on aggressive intent.
England will also rely on their spin attack in the middle overs. Adil Rashid and Liam Dawson provide control and wicket-taking ability. They slow down the scoring and force mistakes. The pace bowlers support them with a disciplined line-up. England rely on balance and planning and rarely deviate from their method.
Pakistan come with a different rhythm. They rely on moments and players who can change the match quickly. Sahibzada Farhan has been the main run scorer at the top. Salman Agha strengthens the middle order with aggressive stroke play. Pakistan can suddenly accelerate and change the pace in a short time.
Pakistan’s bowling relies heavily on spin. Abrar Ahmed provides variety and control in the middle overs. Mohammad Nawaz supports with accuracy and experience. Pakistan often defend the total through pressure and tight bowling spells. When their bowlers find rhythm, it becomes difficult to score against them.
This match exposes England’s stable formation against Pakistan’s unpredictable style. England look for control at every stage. Pakistan look for moments of impact. The team that handles the pressure better will have the advantage.
ENG vs PAK – Head to Head (T20Is)
| Format | Matches | ENG Won | PAK Won | Tied | NR |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| T20Is | 31 | 21 | 9 | 1 | 0 |
Note:
Before the recent international matches, England and Pakistan have played 31 T20 Internationals. England have won 21 matches, Pakistan have won 9 matches, and 1 match has ended in a tie.
ENG vs PAK – Squad List
| No. | England | Role | Pakistan | Role |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Harry Brook (c) | Middle-order batter | Salman Agha (c) | Allrounder |
| 2 | Jofra Archer | Bowler | Abrar Ahmed | Bowler |
| 3 | Tom Banton | Wicketkeeper batter | Babar Azam | Batter |
| 4 | Jacob Bethell | Batting allrounder | Faheem Ashraf | Bowling allrounder |
| 5 | Jos Buttler | Wicketkeeper batter | Fakhar Zaman | Opening batter |
| 6 | Sam Curran | Allrounder | Khawaja Nafay | Wicketkeeper batter |
| 7 | Liam Dawson | Allrounder | Mohammad Nawaz | Allrounder |
| 8 | Ben Duckett | Top-order batter | Naseem Shah | Bowler |
| 9 | Will Jacks | Batting allrounder | Sahibzada Farhan | Middle-order batter |
| 10 | Jamie Overton | Bowling allrounder | Saim Ayub | Allrounder |
| 11 | Adil Rashid | Bowler | Salman Mirza | Bowler |
| 12 | Rehan Ahmed | Bowling allrounder | Shadab Khan | Allrounder |
| 13 | Phil Salt | Wicketkeeper batter | Shaheen Shah Afridi | Bowler |
| 14 | Josh Tongue | Bowler | Usman Khan | Wicketkeeper batter |
| 15 | Luke Wood | Bowler | Usman Tariq | Bowler |
Pitch Report – Pallekele International Cricket Stadium, Kandy
| Factor | Details |
|---|---|
| Stadium | Pallekele International Cricket Stadium, Kandy |
| Pitch Nature | Balanced surface |
| Batting Support | Good for stroke play |
| New Ball Behaviour | Seamers get early movement |
| Spin Factor | Spinners effective in middle overs |
| Match Pattern | Balanced contests between bat and ball |
| Average T20 Score Range | Usually 160–180 |
| Dew Impact | Possible in night matches |
| Toss Strategy | Teams may prefer chasing |
| Safe/Defending Score | Around 170 |
Team Analysis
England
England have a deep batting order, almost assuredly, supported by all-rounders who provide balance to the team. Their approach is modern and assertive, built on intention rather than hesitation.
Yet England’s rhythm relies heavily on the opening tempo. If the top order falters, the middle overs can be mired in uncertainty.
Harry Brook is at the heart of their plans, quiet yet commanding, while Sam Curran bowls those invaluable overs that stabilize the innings. Adil Rashid remains the quiet craftsman who can turn matches around with subtle variations.
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Pakistan
Pakistan bring a touch of unpredictability that often defines their cricket. Their spinners can get help from the surface, and when the top order is in flux, Pakistan can move forward with remarkable ease.
But pressure sometimes exposes the fragility of their batting, especially when the responsibility is on a handful of shoulders.
Sahibzada Farhan’s aggression can shape the opening story, Salman Agha adds urgency in the middle, and Abrar Ahmed has the ability to change the pace in a spell or two.
Toss Prediction
With this being a night match at Pallekele, the captains are likely to bowl first. The fog is coming in which makes batting much easier in the second innings. The chasing teams have the advantage as the ball glides better on the bat due to the moisture on the surface.
Cricbites Match Prediction
| Team | Winning Chance (%) | Reason |
|---|---|---|
| England | 55% | Strong depth and balanced squad |
| Pakistan | 45% | Dangerous bowling and explosive batting |
Final Thoughts
England vs Pakistan is expected to be one of the key matches in the Super Eights Group 2. England bring stability and organisational depth to their lineup. Pakistan bring unpredictability and real match-winning individual talent that can turn games around in a single over.
The result could play a major role in determining semi-final qualification from this group making this an exceptionally high-pressure encounter with very little margin for error from either side.
Disclaimer
This preview and prediction is based on verified match information, historical records, current teams and expected playing conditions at Pallekele. Cricket is still unpredictable. Match results may vary depending on toss decisions, weather and individual performances on match day.
FAQs: Questions & Answers
Q1. Who is the captain for England in ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026?
The captain of England in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 is Harry Brook.
Q2. Who is the captain for Pakistan in ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026?
The captain of Pakistan in the ICC T20 World Cup 2026 is Salman Ali Agha.
Q3. When and what time is ENG vs PAK being played?
England will face Pakistan on 24 February 2026. The match is scheduled to start at 7:00 PM.
Q4. Where is the match being played?
The ENG vs PAK T20 World Cup 2026 will be played at the Pallekele Cricket Stadium in Pallekele, Sri Lanka.
Q5. What is the match number for ENG vs PAK in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026?
A men ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 45th match, which is part of the Super Eights clay.
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