Pakistannarrow defeat of England In the Super 8 stage of t20 world cup 2026 The debate continues, and the former captain Waqar Younis A clear assessment has been presented of where things were resolved. Speaking after the contest, Waqar cited lack of fielding intensity and failure to capitalize on key phases as the primary reasons for the failure.
Pakistan scored 164/9 after being invited to bat first in a high-pressure encounter at the Pallekele International Cricket Stadium. England chased the target in a tense finish, but Waqar believes Pakistan could have had control of the match – had they maintained control at crucial moments.
Waqar Younis points out flaws in Pakistan’s approach
Waqar did not use words in his analysis. According to him, Pakistan allowed the game to progress through avoidable mistakes on the field. In T20 cricket, often the smallest difference decides the outcome. A misfield, a missed cut-off, or a half-chance grab can rapidly change the momentum. Waqar stressed that Pakistan had moments when they were on top – especially when wickets fell and England were rebuilding – but they failed to maintain that pressure. He highlighted how allowing easy singles and twos disrupted Pakistan’s plans. Instead of allowing England to make risky strokes, they allowed the target to build on its rhythm. That breathing space proved costly.
“Pakistan allowed runs to be scored easily in the field. When they had control, they looked sharp. But once the pressure was off, their intensity diminished. That’s where they missed the trick,” Waqar said while speaking on JioHotstar.
Waqar also focused on Pakistan’s batting effort. On a surface that offered real bounce and value to shots, he felt a total of 175-180 was within his reach. Pakistan started with promise, but could not muster the kind of partnership needed to move past the mid-score. The innings lacked a steady presence in the middle overs – someone who could rotate the strike while allowing others to play freely. Instead, wickets kept falling at intervals which halted the momentum. Praising England’s disciplined bowling, Waqar said Pakistan was equally responsible for not taking advantage of favorable conditions.
“In the first innings, a score of 175-180 was achievable. It was a must-win. England bowled well, but Pakistan didn’t help themselves, especially in the field,” He added.
Harry Brook’s masterclass made a difference
Talking about the match, Pakistan showed a glimpse of flexibility. He scored a competitive score of 164/9, largely thanks to his composed innings Sahebzada FarhanWho scored 63 runs in 45 balls. However, England’s disciplined bowling attack led Liam DawsonA brilliant innings of three wickets prevented Pakistan from crossing the 170 mark.
It was not easy for England to chase the target. They were under severe pressure after being reduced to 58/4. but captain harry brook Produced one of the finest innings of the tournament so far. Brook played a brilliant inning of 100 runs in just 51 balls and completely changed the momentum. Despite late success from Pakistan’s bowlers, England won by two wickets with five balls to spare.
Also read: Pakistan’s T20 World Cup 2026 semi-final qualification scenario after losing to England in Super 8