T20 World Cup 2026 Live | ENG vs PAK Live Streaming Free – Star Sport Live – Pakistan vs England, 45th Match,Live Online
February 24, 2026 
England and Pakistan are set for a blockbuster encounter in the 45th match of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 Super 8s Group 2 on February 24, 2026, at 7:00 PM local time (7:30 PM IST) at the iconic Pallekele International Cricket Stadium. With semi-final qualification at stake, this high-pressure contest could define the fate of Group 2. England currently lead the group after a dominant 51-run victory over Sri Lanka, while Pakistan opened their Super 8 campaign with a rain-affected no-result against New Zealand. With Sri Lanka and New Zealand still in contention, a win here could almost guarantee a semi-final berth for the victorious side.
Match Details
- Match: England vs Pakistan, 45th Match, Super 8s Group 2
- Date: February 24, 2026
- Time: 7:00 PM Local / 7:30 PM IST / 1:30 PM GMT
- Venue: Pallekele International Cricket Stadium, Kandy
Tournament Context
The ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 began on February 7 and will conclude with the final on March 8. Co-hosted by India and Sri Lanka, the tournament features 20 teams battling through group stages, Super 8s, semi-finals, and the grand finale. The Super 8 stage resets points, increasing the pressure on every team to deliver consistent performances. England’s early win gives them an advantage, but Pakistan remain firmly in the hunt.
Pitch Report and Conditions
The Pallekele pitch offers a balanced T20 surface. Early in the innings, batters benefit from true bounce and good carry, making the powerplay crucial for setting momentum. As the match progresses, the pitch slows down, bringing spinners into play. In the last five games here, spinners have claimed 34 wickets compared to 26 for pacers, underlining the importance of quality spin bowling. The average first-innings score stands around 152, meaning totals between 155 and 165 could be competitive. Evening dew may assist chasing teams, while humidity around 77 percent and temperatures between 24°C and 28°C could influence swing bowling under lights.
Head-to-Head Record
England have historically dominated Pakistan in T20 internationals. Out of 31 meetings, England have won 21 matches, Pakistan have won 9, and one ended without a result. In T20 World Cup history, England hold a 3-0 advantage. While statistics favor England, Pakistan’s unpredictability and match-winning ability ensure this rivalry remains fiercely competitive.
England Team Analysis
England enter this clash with confidence after defending 147 against Sri Lanka by bowling them out for 95. Their strength lies in explosive batting depth and a well-rounded bowling attack. The top order features aggressive stroke-makers who can dominate the powerplay, while the middle order provides stability and acceleration. Jofra Archer’s pace and Adil Rashid’s leg-spin offer variety, and Sam Curran continues to deliver impactful performances as an all-rounder. England’s only concern remains occasional middle-order collapses under pressure, but overall they appear balanced and composed.
Pakistan Team Analysis
Pakistan’s campaign has been a mix of commanding victories and testing moments. After progressing through the group stage with solid wins, they suffered a heavy defeat against India before their Super 8 opener was washed out. Their batting strength lies in a strong top order led by Sahibzada Farhan and Babar Azam, while Salman Agha’s leadership adds tactical stability. The pace duo of Shaheen Shah Afridi and Naseem Shah provides early breakthroughs, and spinners like Shadab Khan and Mohammad Nawaz could be crucial on a slowing Kandy pitch. Pakistan’s challenge will be maintaining control in high-pressure phases, particularly against England’s aggressive batters.
Key Battles to Watch
The powerplay battle between England’s attacking openers and Pakistan’s new-ball pacers could determine early momentum. The middle overs contest between England’s anchors and Pakistan’s spinners will be equally critical. In the death overs, variations from all-rounders and spinners may decide the final outcome on what is expected to be a competitive surface.
Probable Playing XIs
| England Players | Pakistan Players |
|---|---|
| Phil Salt | Sahibzada Farhan |
| Jos Buttler | Saim Ayub |
| Will Jacks | Babar Azam |
| Harry Brook (c) | Usman Khan |
| Sam Curran | Salman Agha (c) |
| Jacob Bethell | Shadab Khan |
| Jamie Overton | Mohammad Nawaz |
| Liam Dawson | Faheem Ashraf |
| Jofra Archer | Shaheen Shah Afridi |
| Adil Rashid | Naseem Shah |
| Luke Wood | Usman Tariq |
Live Streaming and Broadcast Guide
Live Streaming Info:
The 44th T20 World Cup match will be live on Willow Cricket.
Fans worldwide can follow the action live through various broadcasters. In India, coverage will be available on Star Sports Network with streaming on Disney+ Hotstar and JioCinema. Pakistan viewers can watch free-to-air on PTV Sports, alongside A Sports and Ten Sports, with streaming options on Tapmad and Tamasha. UK fans can tune in via Sky Sports Cricket and TNT Sports, while SuperSport covers South Africa. In Australia, Fox Sports and Kayo Sports hold rights, and Willow TV broadcasts in the USA and Canada. ICC.tv offers streaming in select regions without local rights holders.
Match Prediction
Considering recent form, head-to-head advantage, and squad balance, England appear to hold a slight edge. Their batting depth and spin options may prove decisive on a slowing surface. However, Pakistan’s in-form top order and potent pace attack ensure this contest could swing dramatically. Expect a close encounter, with England marginal favorites either defending a total around 160 or successfully chasing a similar target under lights.
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