25 February,2026 05:09 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondent
Waqar Younis (Pic: File Pic)
In the Super 8 match of the T20 World Cup 2026 against England, Pakistan suffered a loss by two wickets at the Pallekele International Cricket Stadium in Kandy.
Following the loss, legendary Pakistan pacer Waqar Younis said that the "Green Shirts" did not score enough runs in the first essay of the match and fell short by 15-20 runs.
"In the first innings, Pakistan didn't score enough. On this pitch, they needed another 15-20 runs. A total of 175-180 would have been par," he said.
Later, England skipper Harry Brook smashed 100 runs off just 51 deliveries, laced with 10 boundaries and four maximums. The former Pakistan cricketer heaped praise on the English skipper by saying that he single-handedly took away the game from the "Green Shirts".
"Then Brook came in at number three and took complete control. It was chanceless batting; he was superb. He single-handedly took the game away from Pakistan. Pakistan bowled well in phases. Shaheen was outstanding, but the middle overs were where they lost the plot. The spinners couldn't create impact and conceded too many twos. Full credit to England. Their skipper led from the front, and they thoroughly deserve their semi-final spot," he said.
Lead pacer Shaheen Shah Afridi bagged four wickets by conceding 30 runs in his spell of four overs. But his efforts went into vain as the "Three Lions" chased the target in 19.1 overs.
The win also helped Harry Brook-led England seal their spot in the semi-final of the T20 World Cup 2026. With England having sealed their semifinal spot with four points, the race is mostly down to New Zealand and Sri Lanka, who have two fixtures left to play.
On the other hand, with just one point in two games after their first match against New Zealand ended in a washout, a win in their final game against Sri Lanka will give Pakistan a maximum of three points. They are left at the mercy of the results of other teams and rain for a miraculous entry in the semifinals. The clash against Sri Lanka is scheduled to be played on February 28 at the Pallekele International Cricket Stadium in Kandy.
(With ANI Inputs)
