In a critical ICC T20 World Cup 2026 Super 8 match, Usman Tariq’s misstep on the field became a talking point. The event unfolded on February 24 at Pallekele International Cricket Ground, where Pakistan faced England. Known for their propensity to drop catches in high-stakes matches, Pakistan’s players faced a testing situation.
Key Incident: Usman Tariq’s Missed Catch
During the game, Usman Tariq dropped a straightforward catch from Jacob Bethell while fielding at short fine leg. Bethell was attempting to hit Saim Ayub’s bowling over long off when the mishap occurred. The ball unexpectedly edged off Bethell’s bat, rising close to Tariq’s position.
Usman Khan, another fielder, initially moved to catch the ball after Tariq called for it. Khan halted his pursuit, allowing Tariq to take the catch. However, in a surprising turn, Tariq dropped the catch while falling to the ground, leaving Ayub and the team in disbelief.
Bethell’s Performance After the Lifeline
Despite receiving a second chance, Jacob Bethell could not capitalize on the opportunity. He managed to score just 8 runs off 10 balls before being dismissed. Sahibzada Farhan took an exceptional catch at the boundary, dismissing Bethell off the bowling of Shaheen Shah Afridi.
Match Overview
- Match Date: February 24, 2026
- Location: Pallekele International Cricket Ground
- Target: 165 runs
- England’s Score: 53/3 after 6 overs
Bowling Highlights
Shaheen Shah Afridi emerged as Pakistan’s standout bowler, achieving significant success early in the match. He took three wickets while conceding only 13 runs across his three overs. His performance included collecting a crucial wicket on the very first ball, placing England in a challenging position.
England’s Batting Status
As the innings progressed, England scrapped to 53 runs with three wickets down. Skipper Harry Brook, however, showed resilience, notching up 43 runs from 21 balls as he aimed to steer his team to victory.
