England defeated Pakistan by two wickets in a nail-biting Super 8 Group 2 clash of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup, securing a place in the semifinals.

In the fifth Super 8 match at Pallekele Stadium in Sri Lanka, Pakistan posted 164 for 8 in their allotted 20 overs.

England chased down the 165-run target in the final over, finishing at 165 for 8 to seal a dramatic win.

Pakistan post 164 despite Farhan half-century

After winning the toss, Pakistan captain Salman Ali Agha opted to bat first, saying the pitch looked fresh and suitable for setting a defendable total.

Pakistan’s innings began on a shaky note. Opener Saim Ayub was dismissed for 7 with the score at 14, while captain Salman Ali Agha fell for 5 at 27.

Babar Azam and Sahibzada Farhan then steadied the innings with a responsible 46-run partnership for the third wicket, taking the total to 73 before Babar was bowled for 25.

Farhan anchored the innings, scoring a composed 63 off 7 fours and 2 sixes. He added 49 runs with Fakhar Zaman for the fourth wicket to push Pakistan to 122. Fakhar contributed 25 before departing at 132.

Late wickets slowed Pakistan’s momentum. Usman Khan (8) and Mohammad Nawaz (0) fell in quick succession, while Shaheen Shah Afridi was caught on the boundary for 2. Shadab Khan provided a late flourish with an unbeaten 23 off 11 balls, guiding Pakistan to 164 for 8. Salman Mirza remained not out on 2.

For England, Liam Dawson claimed three wickets, while Jofra Archer and Jamie Overton picked up two each. Adil Rashid took one wicket.

England hold nerve in tense chase

England, unchanged from their previous match, approached the chase with confidence at a venue where they have enjoyed recent success.

Captain Harry Brook said before the match that his side would also have opted to bat first and expressed hope of producing their best performance to confirm a semifinal berth.

Despite pressure from Pakistan’s bowlers, England kept the required rate within reach and crossed the line in the 20th over with eight wickets down, sealing qualification for the last four.

Semifinal race tightens

Pakistan had entered the contest with one point after their Super 8 opener against New Zealand was washed out.

England, with two points and a strong net run rate of +2.55, strengthened their position with this victory.

Historically, England have dominated Pakistan in T20 World Cups, winning all previous encounters.

Pakistan last defeated England in a T20 International four years ago, while England had also won the previous five T20Is between the sides.

With this defeat, Pakistan’s chances of progressing to the semifinals now depend on other results and net run rate calculations, leaving their campaign hanging in the balance.