Kandy, February 23, 2026: Pakistan on Monday warned England cricket team that their inconsistent batting line-up would face a stern test against spin when the two sides meet in the Super Eights of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup.
Pakistan opener Sahibzada Farhan said England had struggled against spin in their previous outing, managing 146-9 against Sri Lanka cricket team on Sunday.
Speaking to reporters in Kandy, Farhan said England could expect similar conditions when they face Pakistan at the Pallekele International Cricket Stadium on Tuesday night.
“What we saw in the Sri Lanka-England game was that the ball was gripping and England struggled against spin,” said the in-form opener. “Sri Lanka have one or two spinners, but we have five in all, so we will give England a tough time on a pitch that looks good and will grip.”
Pakistan enter the match under pressure, having seen their opening Super Eights fixture against New Zealand cricket team washed out. Another setback would severely dent their semi-final hopes.
England, meanwhile, come into the contest with momentum after bowling Sri Lanka out for 95 and securing a 51-run victory. A win on Tuesday would send England into the semi-finals with a match to spare.
Pakistan’s spin attack has been the cornerstone of their campaign so far, claiming 26 wickets in four matches, while the seamers have accounted for just seven dismissals.
History, however, favours England, as Pakistan have never beaten them in three previous T20 World Cup encounters. Despite this, Farhan said the team remains confident.
“We are confident and our morale is high. We are fully focused on this match to win and progress,” said Farhan, who struck an unbeaten century against Namibia cricket team in Pakistan’s final group match and currently leads the tournament’s run-scoring charts with 220 runs.
Farhan also played down the threat posed by England pace spearhead Jofra Archer. “Facing Archer will not be difficult because I have faced similar bowlers in Pakistan. If he has plans against me, I also have plans against him,” he said.
Pakistan are expected to include spinner Abrar Ahmed in place of seaming all-rounder Faheem Ashraf.
England may field an unchanged side for a fifth consecutive match, with Liam Dawson, Will Jacks, Adil Rashid, and Jacob Bethell providing spin options.
The Super Eights group also features Sri Lanka and New Zealand, who face each other in Colombo on Wednesday. The top two teams from the group will qualify for the semi-finals.
