The Pallekele International Cricket Stadium in Kandy hosts a blockbuster Super 8 clash between two heavyweight sides with semifinal aspirations firmly in their sights. England came into this contest on a high after an emphatic 51-run demolition of Sri Lanka; a performance where their bowlers, led by Will Jacks (3-22) and Jofra Archer (2-20), dismissed the hosts for a mere 95. That victory announced their arrival as genuine contenders. Pakistan, meanwhile, have had a frustrating Super 8 start, their opening fixture against New Zealand was washed out, leaving them with a point but no momentum. Their group stage form was impressive: three wins from four, including a 102-run demolition of Namibia, driven by a world-class spin attack that claimed 26 of 33 wickets. Sahibzada Farhan has been in career-best touch (220 runs, strike rate 164). On a Pallekele surface that has slowed considerably; England managed only 146 batting first against Sri Lanka, spin will dominate. Pakistan will deploy 16-18 overs of spin. England’s batters must counter. This is a genuine 50-50 contest, a test of adaptability and nerve, where the team that handles spin pressure better will seize control.
England vs Pakistan Win Probability
RCBW vs DCW Batting Tips
ENG vs PAK, Super 8 T20 World Cup 2026 45th Match Details
| Match | ICC T20 World Cup 2026, 45th Match, Super 8, Group 2 |
| Date | Tuesday, February 24, 2026 |
| Time | 07:00 PM (IST) |
| Venue | Pallekele International Cricket Stadium, Kandy |
| Live Streaming (TV) | Star Sports Network |
| Live Streaming (Mobile) | JioHotstar |
ENG vs PAK Team Form – Who Will Win Today’s Match?
England
England are in excellent touch (W, W, W, L, W), with three wins in their last four. Their key strength is a balanced, confident unit. Jacob Bethell leads with 146 runs, anchoring the innings. Philip Salt is in good form (62 off 40 vs SL). The bowling attack firing spinners claimed 7 of 10 wickets vs SL, with Will Jacks taking 3-22. The psychological edge is their emphatic Super 8 start and familiarity with this venue.
Pakistan
Pakistan have built momentum (W, W, W, L, W), with three wins in four group matches. Their key strength is a world-class spin attack that has claimed 26 of 33 wickets. Sahibzada Farhan is in career-best form (220 runs, strike rate 164). Usman Tariq’s unorthodox action and economy of 5.82 make him a potent weapon. The psychological edge is their spin depth and familiarity with these conditions.
ENG vs PAK Probable Playing XI
England Probable XI-
Philip Salt, Jos Buttler (WK), Jacob Bethell, Tom Banton, Harry Brook (C), Sam Curran, Will Jacks, Jamie Overton, Liam Dawson, Jofra Archer, Adil Rashid.
Pakistan Probable XI-
Sahibzada Farhan, Saim Ayub, Salman Agha (C), Babar Azam, Fakhar Zaman, Usman Khan (WK), Shadab Khan, Mohammad Nawaz, Faheem Ashraf, Salman Mirza, Usman Tariq.
ENG vs PAK Head-to-Head Record (T20 World Cup)
| Total Match Played | 03 |
| ENG Won | 03 |
| PAK Won | 00 |
| Draw/No Result | 00 |
ENG vs PAK Pitch Report
The Pallekele pitch has slowed considerably in this World Cup. Four matches have produced first-innings totals between 150-170. The surface offers good value for shots early, but scoring becomes tougher as spinners enter in the middle overs. In the last game, England managed only 146 batting first before dismissing Sri Lanka for 95. England will target 175-185 batting first; Pakistan would be satisfied with 160-170.
ENG vs PAK Weather Report
Conditions will be warm and humid with substantial cloud cover. There is a reasonable chance of scattered showers lingering into the evening. Temperatures will range from 20-32°C. Rain could interrupt play, but the forecast suggests play is likely.
ENG vs PAK Toss Prediction
The captain winning the toss will almost certainly choose to bowl first. With overcast skies expected, seamers will have early assistance. Early wickets could tilt the match. The chasing team has a clear advantage in these conditions.
ENG vs PAK Match Prediction
This is a genuine 50-50 contest, but conditions heavily favor Pakistan’s strengths.
Pakistan’s case: They have the tournament’s most potent spin attack, perfectly suited to this slowing surface. They deployed 18 overs of spin against India, except similar here. Usman Tariq’s unorthodox action and economy of 5.82 make him a wildcard England have never faced. Sahibzada Farhan is in career-best form. They have the confidence of three wins and the motivation of a washed-out Super 8 opener.
England’s case: They have just dismantled Sri Lanka on this same surface, with their spinners taking 7 wickets. They know the venue intimately. Jacob Bethell is Mr. Consistent. Philip Salt is in good form. They have the momentum of an emphatic Super 8 win.
The deciding factor will be how England’s batters handle quality spin on a slowing surface. Pakistan will target them with 16-18 overs of spin. England have looked uncomfortable against high-quality spin at times. Unless their batters have a plan, this match will go Pakistan’s way.
Expect a tense, spin-dominated chess match where Pakistan’s superior adaptability to these conditions and world-class spin attack prove decisive. England will compete, Bethell may anchor, Rashid may take wickets but Pakistan’s spin depth and home-like conditions should see them edge a thriller and keep their semifinal hopes alive.
ENG vs PAK Dream11 Team
- Wicketkeeper: Jos Buttler, Usman Khan
- Batters: Sahibzada Farhan, Jacob Bethell, Philip Salt
- All-rounders: Sam Curran, Shadab Khan, Will Jacks
- Bowlers: Adil Rashid, Usman Tariq, Jofra Archer
Captain (C) Pick: Sahibzada Farhan, Will Jacks.
Vice-Captain (VC) Pick: Adil Rashid, Usman Tariq.
