Eng Vs Pak: Brook’s fifty amid England wobble as they chase 165 in Pallekele
Eng Vs Pak — Pakistan won the toss and elected to bat in the T20 World Cup Super 8s Group 2 match in Pallekele, setting England 165 to win and qualify for the semi-finals. Pakistan finished on 164-9 in 20 overs, with Farhan top-scoring and Dawson returning 3-24.
Brook reaches fifty as England face an early collapse
Brook moved the chase along, reaching a fifty off 28 balls and later batting on at 73 from 36, but England were in trouble after a string of early dismissals left them 58-4. Curran holed out for 16, and Banton nicked Tariq behind, a sequence that followed Shaheen removing Salt, Buttler and Bethell cheaply.
Pakistan set 164-9 with Farhan top-scoring
Pakistan finished their 20 overs on 164-9. Farhan made 63 off 45 balls, while Dawson finished with figures of 3-24.
Spin and a mystery bowler interrupt England’s rhythm
Spin played a decisive role: a mystery spinner struck with his first ball when a right-hander nicked a cut to the keeper, and Usman Tariq’s lack of pace left Sam Curran trying to force the scoring. Curran attempted to pull Tariq square and was caught in the deep, a wicket that commentators linked directly to Tariq’s style.
Moments from the chase – big hits and tight fields
Brook led by example with a big six over Shadab’s head and a near repeat later in the over; one short ball was thumped over a wide long-on only to fall just short of the boundary for four. In another over Brook swept Shadab for four, and earlier a shovelled top edge landed safe in front of deep square for two before the next ball was swept for four.
Over-rate concern and on-field pacing
Pakistan were six minutes behind on their over rate, a detail flagged during the match and noted as potentially costly later. England’s innings included five singles after a wicket while the side weighed up how to face Tariq; Curran took a single to long-on to begin an over and then gave his wicket away to spin.
Fan reaction, commentary and how to follow the game
Social and broadcast reaction has been vocal. Viewers wrote comments such as “Totally brainless from Curran. There’s no need to go after Tariq. The rate is almost at a run a ball so just see him off, ” and “Pathetic Sam Curran, absolutely pathetic. Just rotate the strike!!!!” One user asked, “Still confident Jonney in Melbourne (16: 17)?” Another noted, “Will Jacks the new batter for England, by the way. ”
Alex Hartley, former England bowler on Test Match Special, said it was the lack of pace from Usman Tariq that left Sam Curran trying to force the pace and that Curran’s dismissal was disappointing given his exposure to Tariq in the ILT20. The spin that dismissed Curran drew the comment: “It was the spin that did for him. Curran isn’t complaining. ”
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England need 165 to win and qualify for the semi-finals; the chase is the next confirmed event of this Super 8s, Group 2 fixture in Pallekele.
