Pakistan posted 164 for 8 in their allotted 20 overs to set a 165-run target for England in a crucial Group 2 match of the Super 8 stage at the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup.

The fifth Super 8 fixture, being played at Pallekele Stadium in Sri Lanka, carries significant semifinal implications for both sides.

Farhan anchors innings amid regular strikes

After winning the toss, Pakistan captain Salman Ali Agha opted to bat first on what he described as a “fresh-looking” surface, expressing hope of putting up a competitive total to defend.

Openers Sahibzada Farhan and Saim Ayub began cautiously, but Pakistan suffered early setbacks. Ayub was dismissed for 7, and Salman Ali Agha fell for 5, leaving Pakistan at 27 for 2.

Babar Azam then steadied the innings alongside Farhan. The pair added 46 runs for the third wicket to take the total to 73 before Babar departed for 25.

With wickets falling at the other end, Farhan held firm. He brought up a composed half-century and shared a vital 49-run stand with Fakhar Zaman for the fourth wicket, pushing Pakistan to 122. Farhan struck seven fours and two sixes in his 63 before being dismissed.

Fakhar contributed 25 but fell at 132. Late-order blows hurt Pakistan’s momentum as Usman Khan (8), Mohammad Nawaz (0), and Shaheen Shah Afridi (2) were dismissed in quick succession. Pakistan eventually closed on 164 for 8.

Team changes and key stakes

Pakistan made one change to their XI, bringing in Shaheen Afridi in place of Faheem Ashraf. The side features Salman Ali Agha (captain), Sahibzada Farhan, Babar Azam, Saim Ayub, Fakhar Zaman, Usman Khan, Shaheen Afridi, Salman Mirza, Usman Tariq, Mohammad Nawaz and Shadab Khan.

England, led by Harry Brook, fielded an unchanged XI for the fifth consecutive match. Their squad includes Phil Salt, Jos Buttler, Jacob Bethell, Tom Banton, Sam Curran, Will Jacks, Liam Dawson, Jamie Overton, Jofra Archer and Adil Rashid among others.

Brook said England would also have opted to bat first, noting the pitch appeared better than in their previous outing against Sri Lanka. He admitted his side had yet to produce their best performance and added that a win would secure a semifinal berth.

England’s strong record, Pakistan’s uphill task

England are being seen as having a “home-like” advantage at Pallekele, having won all four matches at the venue over the past month, including a series against Sri Lanka.

Pakistan, meanwhile, are playing outside Colombo for the first time in the tournament.

England’s bowling attack boasts four spin options — Adil Rashid, Liam Dawson, Will Jacks and Jacob Bethell — a combination that could prove decisive on a turning surface.

In their previous match, England defeated Sri Lanka by 51 runs despite being restricted to 146 for 9, with Phil Salt’s half-century the only standout contribution.

Historically, England have dominated Pakistan in T20 World Cups, winning all three encounters between the sides.

Pakistan last defeated England in a T20 International four years ago, and England have won the previous five T20Is between the teams.

Pakistan’s Super 8 opener against New Zealand was washed out, earning both sides a point.

With just one point and a lower net run rate compared to England’s two points and a healthy +2.55, Pakistan’s semifinal hopes hinge heavily on the outcome of this contest.

For England, victory would confirm a place in the semifinals. For Pakistan, defending 164 is essential to keep their campaign alive.