T20 World Cup: Farhan's 63 powers Pakistan to challenging total against England
Cricket
Pakistan set England a 165-run target after posting 164-9 in their ICC Men’s T20 World Cup Super Eights match in Kandy.
KANDY (Dunya News) – Pakistan posted 164-9 after electing to bat first against England in their crucial Super Eights fixture of the ICC Men's T20 Cricket World Cup at the Pallekele International Cricket Stadium on Wednesday.
After winning the toss, Pakistan produced a competitive but fluctuating innings, anchored by a composed half-century from Sahibzada Farhan. England’s bowlers, however, struck regularly to prevent the Men in Green from accelerating in the closing overs.
Farhan provided Pakistan with a steady foundation, top-scoring with 63 off 45 balls. The opener held the innings together as wickets fell around him, ensuring Pakistan crossed the 160 mark.
Another fifty for the tournament's leading run-scorer
— Pakistan Cricket (@TheRealPCB) February 24, 2026
10th T20I half-century for @RealSahibzada #PAKvENG | #T20WorldCup | #BackTheBoysInGreen | #WeHaveWeWill pic.twitter.com/ucql9uLyK6
Saim Ayub fell early for seven after being caught off Jofra Archer, while captain Salman Ali Agha managed only five before departing.
Former skipper Babar Azam contributed a measured 25 from 24 deliveries but could not convert his start into a bigger score.
Momentum briefly shifted when Fakhar Zaman struck a brisk 25 off 16 balls. Shadab Khan then injected late impetus with a quickfire 23 from just 11 deliveries before being run out.
England’s attack, led by Liam Dawson and Jamie Overton, kept chipping away at the lower order. Dawson removed three batters, while Overton struck twice at key moments.
Pakistan lost wickets in a cluster towards the end. Mohammad Nawaz was dismissed without scoring, and Shaheen Shah Afridi added just two.
Salman Mirza remained unbeaten on two as Pakistan closed on 164-9 from their 20 overs, setting England a target of 165.
England entered the contest with momentum after opening their Super Eights campaign with victory over Sri Lanka. Pakistan, meanwhile, had their previous match against New Zealand abandoned due to rain.
Historically, England have dominated the T20 head-to-head record between the sides, winning 21 of their 31 meetings. Pakistan now need their bowlers to defend 164 and overturn that trend in this high-stakes encounter.
Playing XIs
Pakistan: Sahibzada Farhan, Saim Ayub, Salman Ali Agha (capt), Babar Azam, Fakhar Zaman, Shadab Khan, Usman Khan (wk), Mohammad Nawaz, Shaheen Afridi, Salman Mirza, Usman Tariq.
England: Phil Salt, Jos Buttler (wk), Jacob Bethell, Tom Banton, Harry Brook (capt), Sam Curran, Will Jacks, Liam Dawson, Jamie Overton, Jofra Archer, Adil Rashid.
