As Pakistan faced with England in their high stakes t20 world cup 2026 super 8 The spotlight was on the struggling former captain in the clash at the Pallekele International Cricket Stadium on February 24, 2026.
Despite batting conditions appearing favorable for a stability role, Babar Azam’His inability to shift gears has once again put his T20I future under intense scrutiny. After their opening Super 8 match against new zealand Following the defeat, Pakistan entered the game needing a stellar performance, but instead, they suffered a middle-order collapse, leading fans and former cricketers to question the team’s tactical core.
Babar Azam caught by Jamie Overton during PAK vs ENG Super 8 game
The highlight of Babar Azam’s ‘flop show’ was a difficult inning of 25 runs off 24 balls, an innings that lacked the boundary-hitting intent required to counter England’s disciplined attack. Entering the crease after early shock, Babar attempted to ‘groom’ the innings, yet he struggled to find the gaps, crossing the boundary just twice at the pace of Jofra Archer before retreating into a shell against spin. adil rashid And Liam Dawson.
The pressure finally reached its peak in the 11th over. jamie overton Returned to the attack. Attempting a ‘nothing shot’ across the line for a delivery that demanded more respect, Babar was completely beaten as the ball crashed on top of his off-stump. Being bowled out at 73/3 took away the momentum of Pakistan’s innings as they looked to set a platform for a competitive total.
Here’s how fans reacted:
Babar Azam I am fed up with you!!!! 😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭
– شاہ جیب بھاری (@iSyedShahzaibB) 24 February 2026
This team does not seem intent on winning. Once again poor team selection. It’s suicidal to keep giving Sam chances. Salman Agha doesn’t deserve to be in the team even as a batsman and we have him as captain. Babar Azam once again proved that he is a bad choice…
– Ali Mumtaz (@aliimumtaz) 24 February 2026
In Bhojpuri commentary, they are bashing Babar Azam with words like ‘When Babar is on strike, the fielders become lazy’, ‘England is playing with 12 players’, ‘Babar is playing to increase his runs’, etc etc 😭😭
– Manjit🇳🇵 (@CricMangit) 24 February 2026
There are 11 players in Pakistan team. 10 matches for Pakistan, Babar Azam plays against Pakistan.
– Sunil Cricketer (@1sInto2s) 24 February 2026
Goodbye Babar Azam, I think that’s enough. Lots of opportunities and plenty of everything.#PAKvENG #T20WorldCup2026 #super8 #Cricket #match day #cricketfan
– Nauman (@MNaumanFazal) 24 February 2026
Another poor T20 innings of King Babar Azam
– Gapistan Radio (@whyteknight07) 24 February 2026
– Babar misjudged the pace!!!!
– Asif Khan (@mak_asif) 24 February 2026
This should be the end of Babar Azam’s career.
– Sam Mathad (@sameermathad) 24 February 2026
Release Imran Khan, arrest Babar Azam https://t.co/9lMwRnWIQA
– Usman (@usmann_01) 24 February 2026
One thing, I made Sam spoil his work while trying to become an all-rounder. Second one, what is the team for the toss? 🤷🏽
Say above, Babar Azam, Adil, say save, you have become a victim of Overton, this team is dependent only on Sahibzaida Farhan.– Najeeb Ul Hasnain (@ImNajeebH) 24 February 2026
Also read: T20 World Cup 2026: This is why Faheem Ashraf is not playing today’s PAK vs ENG Super 8 match
Sahibzada Farhan and Fakhar Zaman ignite Pakistan’s charge in Pallekele vs England
In a high-stakes Super 8 encounter at the Pallekele International Cricket Stadium on February 24, 2026, Pakistan managed to recover from early setbacks and put the England bowling unit under immense pressure. Pakistan’s innings faltered in the beginning after winning the toss and coming to bat first. jofra archer and dawson was removed Saim Ayyub and captain salman ali aga Within the powerplay.
However, the dynamic changed dramatically through a flexible partnership between Babar and Sahibzada Farhan, Farhan took command of the team by scoring a stormy half-century in just 37 balls. Even after Babar was bowled by Overton for 25, Pakistan refused to slow down as the experienced Fakhar Zaman Joined Farhan to launch a ferocious attack in the middle overs.
Both of them have already hit many big sixes, due to which Pakistan crossed 120 runs in the 16th over with significant momentum. As the match heads towards the death overs, the ‘Men in Green’ look set to set a strong target, while England’s harry brook Will be looking for a breakthrough to stop the flow of runs on a surface that is starting to reward aggressive stroke-play.