as Pakistan faced England in their high stakes T20 World Cup 2026 Super 8 The clash at the Pallekele International Cricket Stadium on February 24, 2026 focused on the struggling former captain.
Although strike conditions appear favorable for a stabilizing role, Babar Azam’His inability to shift gears has once again put his T20I future under intense scrutiny. After their opening against the Super 8 fixture New Zealand washed out, Pakistan went into this game needing a statement performance, but instead faced a middle-order collapse that left fans and former cricketers questioning the team’s tactical underpinnings.
Babar Azam is bowled by Jamie Overton during the PAK vs ENG Super 8 match
The highlight of Babar Azam’s ‘flop show’ was a labored 25 runs from 24 balls, lacking the boundary-striking intent needed to counter England’s disciplined attack. Coming into the crease after early strikes, Babar tried to ‘anchor’ the innings but he struggled to find the gaps, finding the boundary at just twice the pace of Jofra Archer, then retreating to the shell. Adil Rashid and Liam Dawson.
The pressure finally reached breaking point on the 11th Jamie Overton returned to attack. Attempting a ‘no hit’ across the line for a delivery that demanded more respect, Babar was completely beaten as the ball hit the top of his off stump. That dismissal at 73/3 deflated the pace of Pakistan’s innings as they tried to build a platform for a competitive total.
Here’s how the fans reacted:
BABAR AZAM I AM SICK OF YOU!!!! 😭😭😭😭😭😭😭
— Shahzeb Bukhari (@iSyedShahzaibB) February 24, 2026
This team doesn’t look like they’re going to win. Again, poor team selection. Continuing to give Sai a chance is suicide. Salman Agha does not deserve to be a batsman in the team and we have him as the captain. Babar Azam has once again proved that he is a bad choice…
— Ali Mumtaz (@aliimumtaz) February 24, 2026
In Bhojpuri commentary, the pitch is lazy when Babar is on strike, “England plays with 12 players”, “Babar plays to increase his runs” etc.
— Manjit🇳🇵 (@CricManjit) February 24, 2026
There are 11 players in Pakistan’s squad. 10 Pakistan, Babar Azam playing against Pakistan.
– Sunil the Cricketer (@1sInto2s) February 24, 2026
thanks babar azam, i think that’s enough. Enough luck and everything is enough.#PAKvENG #T20WorldCup2026 #Super8 #cricket #MatchDay #CricketFans
— Nauman (@MNaumanFazal) February 24, 2026
Another crappy T20 knock by King Babar Azam
— Gappistan Radio (@whyteknight07) February 24, 2026
– Babar misjudged the pace!!!!
— Asif Khan (@mak_asif) February 24, 2026
This should be the end of Babar Azam’s career.
— Sam Mathad (@sameermathad) February 24, 2026
Free Imran Khan, arrest Babar Azam https://t.co/9lMwRnWIQA
— Usman (@usmann_01) February 24, 2026
Aik tu saim ko banay kay allrounder main main kam karwa karwa deeya second agha kya toss hai hai hai team me 🤷🏽
Upar say babar azam adil say bachay tu overton ka shikar hogai this team only depends on Sahibzaida Farhan— Najeeb ul Hasnain (@ImNajeebH) February 24, 2026
Also READ: T20 World Cup 2026: Faheem Ashraf not playing in today’s PAK vs ENG Super 8 match.
Sahibzada Farhan and Fakhar Zaman spark Pakistan’s charge against England in Pallekele
In a high-stakes Super 8 encounter at the Pallekele International Cricket Stadium on 24th February 2026, Pakistan overcame early setbacks to put England’s bowling unit under huge pressure. After winning the toss and electing to bat, Pakistan’s innings stuttered early Jofra Archer and Dawson was removed Saim Ayub and captain Salman Ali Agha within the powerplay.
However, the momentum changed dramatically thanks to a solid partnership between Babar Sahibzade Farhan, Taking the lead, Farhan scored a half-century off just 37 balls. Even when Babar was bowled by Overton for 25 runs, Pakistan refused to slow down as experienced Fakhar Zaman joined Farhan to launch a relentless attack in the middle.
The duo have already plundered a couple of big sixes, leaving Pakistan behind the 120-run mark in the 16th over with significant acceleration. As the match heads to the death, the Men in Green look set to set a big target, while England Harry Brooke looking for a breakthrough to stem the flow of runs on a surface that has begun to reward an aggressive stroke play.
