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Pakistan<\/strong>\u2019s narrow defeat to England<\/strong> in the Super 8 stage of the T20 World Cup 2026<\/strong><\/a> continues to spark debate, and former captain Waqar Younis<\/strong> has offered a candid assessment of where things unraveled. Speaking after the contest, Waqar pointed to lapses in fielding intensity and a failure to capitalize on key phases as the primary reasons behind the setback.<\/p>\n The high-pressure encounter at the Pallekele International Cricket Stadium saw Pakistan post 164\/9 after being asked to bat first. England chased the target down in a tense finish, but Waqar believes the match was there for Pakistan to seize \u2014 if only they had maintained control in crucial moments.<\/p>\n Waqar did not mince words in his analysis. According to him, Pakistan allowed the game to drift away through avoidable errors in the field. In T20 cricket, the smallest margins often decide outcomes. A misfield, a missed cut-off, or a half-chance grassed can quickly shift momentum. Waqar stressed that Pakistan had moments where they were on top \u2014 especially when wickets fell and England were rebuilding \u2014 but they failed to sustain that pressure. He highlighted how allowing easy singles and twos disrupted Pakistan\u2019s plans. Instead of forcing England into risky strokes, they let the chase settle into a rhythm. That breathing space proved costly.<\/p>\n \u201cPakistan allowed easy runs in the field. When they had control, they looked sharp. But once the pressure eased, their intensity dropped. That\u2019s where they missed the trick,\u201d<\/em> Waqar said while speaking on JioHotstar.<\/p>\n Waqar also turned his attention to Pakistan\u2019s batting effort. On a surface that offered true bounce and value for shots, he felt a total of 175\u2013180 was within reach. Pakistan started with promise but couldn\u2019t build the kind of partnerships needed to push beyond a middling total. The innings lacked a stabilizing presence in the middle overs \u2014 someone who could rotate strike while allowing others to play freely. Instead, wickets fell at intervals that stalled momentum. While acknowledging England\u2019s disciplined bowling, Waqar maintained that Pakistan were equally responsible for not maximizing favorable conditions.<\/p>\n \u201cIn the first innings, 175-180 was achievable. It was there for the taking. England bowled well, but Pakistan didn\u2019t help themselves, particularly in the field,\u201d<\/em> he added.<\/p>\n Also READ: T20 World Cup 2026: Shaheen Afridi reveals reason behind Pakistan\u2019s defeat against England in Super 8 clash<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n Speaking about the match, Pakistan showed glimpses of resilience. They posted a competitive 164\/9, thanks largely to a composed knock from Sahibzada Farhan<\/strong>, who smashed 63 off 45 deliveries. However, England\u2019s disciplined bowling attack, led by Liam Dawson<\/strong>\u2019s impressive three-wicket haul, prevented Pakistan from pushing past the 170-mark.<\/p>\n England\u2019s chase was anything but smooth. Reduced to 58\/4, they were under severe pressure. But captain Harry Brook<\/strong><\/a> produced one of the finest innings of the tournament so far. Brook smashed a breathtaking 100 off just 51 balls, shifting the momentum entirely. Despite late breakthroughs from Pakistan\u2019s bowlers, England held their composure to win by two wickets with five balls remaining.<\/p>\nWaqar Younis explains the lapses in Pakistan\u2019s approach<\/strong><\/h2>\n
Harry Brook\u2019s masterclass made the difference<\/strong><\/h2>\n