England and Pakistan meet in a pivotal Super Eights encounter as momentum and urgency collide in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026. Match 45 at Pallekele pits an in-form England side against a Pakistan team eager to get its campaign moving after a rain washout.
Match details
Venue: Pallekele International Cricket Stadium
Date: Tuesday, February 24, 2026
Time: 7:00 PM IST, 6:30 PM PST, 1:30 PM GMT
Team overviews
England
England enter this contest brimming with confidence after a commanding 51-run victory over Sri Lanka. Batting first, they managed 146 for 9, a total that appeared slightly below par. Phil Salt anchored the innings with a fluent 62, providing stability amid regular wickets. England then produced a powerplay masterclass with the ball. Will Jacks led the charge with a decisive 3 for 22, while Jofra Archer struck early to rip through Sri Lanka’s top order. Reduced to 34 for 5 inside six overs, Sri Lanka never recovered and folded for 95 in 16.4 overs. The result handed England two crucial points and significantly boosted their net run rate, strengthening their Super Eights position.
Pakistan
Pakistan’s Super Eights journey began on a frustrating note, with their opening match against New Zealand in Colombo abandoned without a ball bowled due to persistent rain. Both sides shared a point, leaving Pakistan still searching for rhythm in the second phase of the tournament. Despite the lack of match action, Pakistan draw confidence from strong group-stage performances built around a potent bowling attack and improving top-order returns. This fixture represents their first real opportunity to assert themselves in the Super Eights.
Key players
England will again look to Phil Salt to provide structure at the top, while the bowling unit remains their primary strength. Will Jacks has emerged as a genuine match-winner with the ball, and Jofra Archer’s pace adds early pressure. Adil Rashid continues to play a vital role through the middle overs with his experience and control.
For Pakistan, Sahibzada Farhan stands out as their most in-form batter. His consistency and attacking intent at the top give Pakistan early momentum. The bowling attack, featuring variety across pace and spin, will aim to exploit conditions early and restrict England’s stroke play.
Head-to-head record
England hold a clear edge over Pakistan in T20 internationals. The two sides have faced each other 31 times, with England winning 20 matches and Pakistan claiming nine victories. Two games ended in ties or no results. Their first T20 meeting took place on August 28, 2006, while the most recent encounter was played on May 30, 2024.
Pitch report
The Pallekele International Cricket Stadium traditionally offers batting-friendly conditions in T20 cricket. Scores above 150 remain common, with good pace and carry allowing batters to play through the line once settled. Pacers can extract some assistance early, but bowlers must maintain disciplined lines and lengths. Any inconsistency tends to invite punishment, keeping the contest tilted slightly toward the batters.
Probable match scenarios
If England bat first, they will aim to post a competitive total by maximizing the powerplay and managing the middle overs carefully. Pakistan, while chasing, will rely on early breakthroughs from their bowlers to control the run rate. If Pakistan bat first, England’s bowlers will target early wickets to disrupt momentum and keep the target within reach.
Probable playing XIs
England: Philip Salt, Jos Buttler (wicketkeeper), Jacob Bethell, Tom Banton, Harry Brook (captain), Sam Curran, Will Jacks, Jamie Overton, Liam Dawson, Jofra Archer, Adil Rashid
Pakistan: Sahibzada Farhan, Saim Ayub, Salman Agha (captain), Babar Azam, Fakhar Zaman, Usman Khan (wicketkeeper), Shadab Khan, Mohammad Nawaz, Faheem Ashraf, Salman Mirza, Usman Tariq
Live streaming and broadcast
In India, the match will be broadcast live on JioStar Network channels and streamed on the JioHotstar app and website.
In Pakistan, viewers can watch live coverage on PTV Sports and A Sports, with digital streaming available on official platforms.
In the United Kingdom, Sky Sports Cricket and Sky Go will provide live coverage.
In Australia, fans can stream the match live on Prime Video.
Global audiences can follow official ICC broadcast partners and regional digital platforms carrying the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026.
Match prediction
England arrive with momentum and confidence after a dominant win, while Pakistan look to make a strong Super Eights statement after a disrupted start. With batting-friendly conditions expected, the side setting the target could gain an edge. Based on recent form and execution, the team batting first holds a slight advantage in this encounter.
