England Defeats Pakistan by 2 Wickets, Becomes First Team to Reach Semi-finals

England defeated Pakistan by 2 wickets in a tense match to become the first team to secure a T20 World Cup semi-final place.

Pakistan chose to bat after winning the toss but lost Saim Ayub(7) early to Jofra Archer. Captain Salman Ali Agha(5) followed soon, leaving the side under pressure during the power play.

Babar Azam(25) and Sahibzada Farhan(63) then rebuilt the innings with a steady stand. England’s disciplined bowling kept scoring tight and built pressure. Babar attempted to accelerate but fell after a promising start. Farhan anchored the innings and brought up a fine half-century. He looked set to increase the scoring rate before Overton dismissed him.

Pakistan’s lower order attempted to lift the score in the final overs. However, England took wickets regularly, preventing any late surge. Pakistan closed their innings at 164/9 in 20 overs.

In the second innings, Pakistan struck immediately while defending the target, with Shaheen Afridi dismissing Phil Salt off the first ball. He removed Jos Buttler in his next over and later sent Bethell back, putting England under pressure.

Captain Harry Brook(100) then led the recovery with a composed counterattack. Brook reached his century before falling in the 17th over, leaving England needing 10 more runs. Pakistan took late wickets to raise hopes of a turnaround.

England, however, stayed calm in the closing moments and defeated Pakistan with 2 wickets in hand and 5 balls remaining. The win made England the first team to reach the T20 World Cup 2026 semi-finals.

ENG vs PAK — Great contest!
Harry Brook leading from the front with a fantastic knock and a superb hundred after promoting himself to No. 3. England’s running between the wickets was outstanding — 14 twos made a big difference and kept the momentum going.

From Pakistan, Shaheen…

— Azhar Mahmood (@AzharMahmood11) February 24, 2026

Harry Brook delivers! Leading from the front, and England are into the semis. What a thriller! 🏏 #T20WorldCup #PAKvsENG Pakistan’s rollercoaster continues

— Mohammad Yousaf (@yousaf1788) February 24, 2026

This Pakistan’s team doesn’t handle pressure well. Pakstan struggles have a lot to do with their own troll media as well. They don’t genuinely support the team,they constantly put them under tremendous pressure. It’s all about “reach” for them.

They flood Indian social media…

— Irfan Pathan (@IrfanPathan) February 24, 2026

Harry Brook shows how a captain can change a team's fortunes. From almost losing to Nepal and Italy, Brooks promotes himself to No. 3, scores his first T20 hundred to single-handedly take England to semis. What a match to give your best.

— Mohammad Kaif (@MohammadKaif) February 24, 2026