The Pallekele International Cricket Stadium witnessed a thunderbolt today as the high-stakes Super 8 clash between England and Pakistan ignited in the very first over. With a semi-final berth on the line for Harry Brook’s men and tournament survival at stake for the Men in Green, the atmosphere was electric. But it was Shaheen Shah Afridi who stole the spotlight, delivering a moment that will be replayed for years.
As England began their chase of 165, the strategy seemed simple: let the explosive duo of Phil Salt and Jos Buttler take charge. However, Shaheen Afridi, returning to the XI with a point to prove, had other plans.
On the very first delivery of the innings, Shaheen bowled a trademark "jaffa"—a hard-length delivery angled across the right-hander that seamed away just enough. Phil Salt, rooted to the crease and looking to punch through the off-side, could only manage a faint outside edge. Usman Khan made no mistake behind the stumps, and just like that, Salt was gone for a golden duck.
"That is a statement of intent from Afridi. He was dropped for the last game, and he has responded with the most lethal delivery of the tournament so far." — On-air Commentary
Earlier in the day, Pakistan captain Salman Ali Agha won the toss and elected to bat. The innings was anchored by a sublime half-century from Sahibzada Farhan, who smashed 63 off 45 balls, setting a record for the most sixes by a Pakistani in a single T20 World Cup edition.
Despite Farhan's heroics and useful cameos from Babar Azam (25) and Fakhar Zaman (25), Pakistan suffered a tragic late-order collapse. They tumbled from 122/3 to 164/9 in their 20 overs, largely due to a brilliant spell from Liam Dawson (3/24) and pace-heavy contributions from Jofra Archer and Jamie Overton.
The early loss of Salt has forced a tactical reshuffle. Skipper Harry Brook made a proactive move by promoting himself to No. 3 to stabilize the innings alongside Jos Buttler. While the target of 165 remains achievable, the psychological blow of losing a primary opener to the very first ball has shifted the momentum firmly toward Pakistan.
Key Match Stats at the Break:
Target: 165 (England need 8.25 RPO)
Shaheen Afridi's First Over: 1 wicket, 3 runs.
Top Scorer (PAK): Sahibzada Farhan (63)
Best Bowler (ENG): Liam Dawson (3/24)
England must now navigate the remaining overs of Shaheen and the tricky spin of Shadab Khan and Usman Tariq. If they win, they secure a semi-final spot; if Pakistan defends this total, the Group 2 standings will be thrown into absolute chaos.
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