NEW DELHI: “Pakistan will play the final,” Pakistan allrounder Shadab Khan confidently told a fan, hinting at the Men in Green’s ambitions in the T20 World Cup 2026. The clip, now going viral on social media, sets the tone ahead of Pakistan’s Super Eights clash against England at the Pallekele International Cricket Stadium on Tuesday.“So, you are here till the semi-finals?” a fan asked, probably indicating the side’s matches in Sri Lanka.

In reply, Shadab says, “Till the final. Final, inshahallah.” The pitch in Pallekele is expected to assist slow bowlers, and both teams are likely to lean heavily on their spin attacks. England, two-time champions, may not have hit top gear yet, but they began their Super Eights campaign with a commanding 51-run win over Sri Lanka. That victory not only boosted their net run rate but also propelled them to the top of the standings. Defending a modest total, England’s spinners, supported by pacer Jofra Archer, triggered a dramatic collapse in the Sri Lankan batting lineup.Pakistan, on the other hand, were left frustrated after their opener against New Zealand was washed out, leaving them with a single point and little margin for error. They will rely on a varied spin arsenal, including the mystery spin of Usman Tariq and the experience of Saim Ayub, Abrar Ahmed, Shadab Khan, and Mohammad Nawaz, to stifle England’s batting.Batting consistency, however, remains a concern for Pakistan. While opener Sahibzada Farhan has impressed as the tournament’s leading run-scorer with 220 runs from four innings, others like Saim Ayub and captain Salman Agha are yet to fire decisively. A strong batting performance will be crucial if Pakistan are to overcome England’s balanced side.With stakes high, the clash promises a fascinating battle between England’s disciplined spin and Pakistan’s variety. Fans will be watching closely to see if Shadab Khan’s bold prediction of reaching the final can come true.

Pakistan’s Sahibzada Farhan (AP Photo)

Sahibzada Farhan etched his name into the record books with a maiden T20I century during Pakistan’s T20 World Cup 2026 Group A clash against Namibia on Wednesday. However, while the milestone was significant, former India all-rounder Irfan Pathan was not entirely impressed with how the opener approached the closing moments of the innings. Farhan reached his hundred in the penultimate over but did so in a manner that raised eyebrows. On the second ball of the 20th over, he calmly pushed the delivery towards long-on for a single to bring up the landmark. In doing so, he became only the second Pakistan batter after Ahmed Shehzad to score a century in the T20 World Cup.

Pathan, though, questioned the timing and intent behind the approach, suggesting that the team’s total should have been the sole focus in the final over. “He definitely has scored a century, but taking a single? Unbelievable. Unbelievable. You would be happy that you have scored a century and that Pakistan have reached 199,” Irfan said on air. “But in the last over, you play a defensive shot, then you leave the last ball. Kamaal hai,” he added. Farhan also failed to capitalise on the final delivery of the innings, unable to reach a wide ball bowled by Namibia captain Gerhard Erasmus. The last over wasn’t fully maximised, and had Shadab Khan not struck two crucial sixes, Pakistan may not have pushed their total to 199. The 29-year-old eventually finished unbeaten on 100 from 58 balls, an innings decorated with 11 fours and four sixes at a strike rate of 172.41. In the broader context of the match, Farhan’s century laid the foundation for Pakistan’s imposing 199/3 in Colombo. Captain Salman Ali Agha contributed 38, while Shadab remained unbeaten on 36 to provide a late flourish. In reply, Namibia were outclassed as Usman Tariq’s mystery spin (4/16) dismantled the middle order and Shadab claimed 3/19. Namibia were bowled out for 97 in 17.3 overs, handing Pakistan a commanding 102-run victory and confirming their place in the Super 8 stage.

Pakistan’s Usman Tariq (AP Photo)

The spotlight at the ICC Twenty20 World Cup 2026 has firmly shifted towards Pakistan off-spinner Usman Tariq, whose unusual action — marked by a statue-like pause at the crease — has sparked debate as much as it has baffled batters. The 28-year-old’s delivery stride, featuring a noticeable halt before release, has become one of the tournament’s most discussed elements, raising questions around legality, rhythm and the fine margins of modern spin bowling.Go Beyond The Boundary with our YouTube channel. SUBSCRIBE NOW!Tariq’s rise has not been without controversy. Critics have revisited past reports of suspect actions, pointing towards cricket’s long-standing “15-degree elbow flex” rule, which limits how much a bowler’s arm can straighten during delivery. Though twice reported during the Pakistan Super League, he was cleared after biomechanical testing at the National Cricket Academy Lahore.

Addressing the issue, Tariq insisted his action stems from a natural physical trait. “I have two elbows in my arm… my arm bends naturally. My bent arm is a biological issue,” he said, reiterating that testing validated his technique.What truly unsettles opponents, however, is the “long pause” that disrupts timing. Former Pakistan captain Sarfaraz Ahmed explained that the momentary halt breaks a batter’s concentration, making even routine deliveries unpredictable. The effect has been evident, with players like Cameron Green and Dewald Brevis among those visibly puzzled by Tariq’s release point and pace variations.

Despite the scrutiny, results have backed the spinner’s inclusion. He announced himself on the global stage with three wickets against the United States and boasts an impressive early T20I record, including a hat-trick in Rawalpindi. As the tournament progresses across spin-friendly conditions, Tariq’s unconventional action remains both Pakistan’s secret weapon and cricket’s hottest debate. Whether viewed as innovation or controversy, his long pause and biomechanical uniqueness have ensured that every delivery he bowls is watched with equal parts intrigue and suspicion.