In a high-stakes conflict in the course of the Super 8 section of the ICC T20 World Cup 2026 held at Pallekele International Cricket Ground, the Pakistan cricket crew continued to face scrutiny for dropping catches in essential moments. This time, it was spinner Usman Tariq who let a major alternative slip away by dropping a simple catch off England’s Jacob Bethell.
The incident passed off when Bethell tried to clear the infield whereas dealing with Saim Ayub’s bowling. The ball edged off Bethell’s bat and soared into the air in direction of Tariq, who was stationed at quick high quality leg. Though his teammate Usman Khan was additionally within the neighborhood and initially pursued the ball, Tariq known as for the catch, prompting Khan to halt his run. As Tariq approached, he unexpectedly dropped the easy catch whereas falling to the bottom, leaving each the gamers and spectators in disbelief. Ayub celebrated prematurely, having assumed the catch was efficiently taken, solely to be met with the sight of Tariq holding his head in shock at his blunder.
Despite being given a lifeline, Bethell’s stint on the crease didn’t yield substantial outcomes. He was dismissed shortly thereafter, making solely 8 runs from 10 balls earlier than being caught on the boundary by Sahibzada Farhan off a supply from Shaheen Shah Afridi. Afridi has emerged as a standout performer for Pakistan within the match, claiming 3 wickets for simply 13 runs in his three overs. He struck early, capturing a wicket along with his very first supply, thus placing England on the again foot.
As England pursued a goal of 165 runs, they discovered themselves in a precarious place at 53 runs for 3 wickets after simply six overs of the Powerplay. However, captain Harry Brook supplied a glimmer of hope for the facet with a commendable innings, scoring 43 runs off 21 balls to maintain England within the hunt. The match continues to unfold, with each side battling for supremacy as they navigate essential moments.
