Pakistan‘s campaign T20 World Cup 2026 After a heart-stopping defeat, he suffered a major setback England their Super 8 Confrontation at Pallekele International Cricket Stadium. Although the margin of defeat was slim, the main reasons are according to Pakistan Shaheen AfridiHis side were rooted over the middle where they failed to build a meaningful partnership together.
In the run-up to the final, Pakistan posted 164/9 after being sent to bat first. England eventually chased it down with two wickets in hand and five balls to spare, but a modest total always left Pakistan’s bowlers with little cushion on a fresh and genuine surface.
Shaheen Afridi reveals where Pakistan went wrong in the match
Afridi did not hesitate to identify the turning point. The left-arm quick, who returned impressive figures of 4/30, admitted that Pakistan’s inability to form a sustained partnership in the middle stages of the innings cost them a potentially defendable total.
He emphasized the importance of having a spin shot and someone who can protect speed, with a crease through the middle. Instead, Pakistan lost wickets in the groups, halting any rhythm they tried to establish.
On a pitch that didn’t offer early help to the bowlers, Afridi felt a target in the 180-190 range would be competitive. However, frequent dismissals prevented the side from gaining momentum at the right moments. The lack of consistency meant the team struggled to consistently score eight to nine runs, which is often the basis of successful T20 innings.
“I think on a wicket like this you need a partnership and you need a certain batsman who can bowl over the middle overs. But unfortunately we couldn’t go for 180-190.” Afridi said as quoted by GeoSuper.
Afridi applauds Harry Brook’s sizzling tattoo
While Afridi’s fiery spell brought Pakistan back into the contest, England’s composure with the bat made the difference. Harry Brooke Anchoring the chase with a brilliant century, Afridi showed the kind of approach he believed Pakistan lacked.
Brook turned the strike efficiently, built partnerships and absorbed the pressure even when the wickets fell at the other end. His calm presence ensured that England never strayed too far from the required ratio. Afridi pointed out how England’s ability to keep a certain amount of batter at the crease throughout the middle batsmen tipped the balance. The contrast between the two batting approaches was obvious – where Pakistan weakened, England strengthened.
“You see, Harry Brook stayed at the crease when England batted and he spun the strike and he was just building partnerships. I think we missed that opportunity to build partnerships. Partnerships mean you have to have someone who can go for singles and doubles. In a T20 innings, you need that eight or more partners.” Afridi added.
The Pakistani all-rounder also singled out the leg-spinner, acknowledging England’s bowling efforts. Adil Rashid due to his resolving magic. Rashid’s control and variation during the middle overs tightened the screws and prevented Pakistan from starting a late surge.
“I think that middle stage Adil Rashid played really well, so I think credit goes to him.” Afridi explained.
Despite the defeat, Afridi’s performance with the ball was evident. His four-goal haul, including Brook’s prized scalp, showed he was getting back into rhythm at the crucial stage of the tournament. However, even this individual brilliance could not make up for the team’s collective shortcomings with the bat.
