T20 World Cup 2026, Day 18 schedule: Spinners in spotlight as Pakistan, England clash in Super 8s

New Delhi: Spinners will be in focus on a pitch expected to assist slow bowlers as both England and Pakistan kick off their Super Eight campaigns in the T20 World Cup 2026 in Pallekele on Tuesday.

Both teams are likely to rely heavily on their spin resources in a high-voltage clash in Group 2 of Super 8s.

After a slow start to the campaign, England have found the groove heading into the business end of the tournament. The two-time champions kicked off their Super Eights campaign with a resounding 51-run victory over co-hosts Sri Lanka, a result that significantly boosted their morale and the net run rate.

The Harry Brooks-led outfit produced a clinical bowling display to defend a modest total against Sri Lanka. The spinners exploited the conditions well to trigger a dramatic Sri Lankan batting collapse.

Who will win the battle of the spinners?

Seasoned leg spinner Adil Rashid and left arm spinner Liam Dawson have been at the heart of things for the Three Lions. They have been ably supported by Will Jacks, who has emerged as an unlikely match-winner.

While his off-spin has benefited England greatly, it is his consitstency with the with the bat (39 against Nepal, 16 against Scotland and 53 versus Italy) that has bailed England out of trouble time and again.

Opener Phil Salt found his way back amongst the runs with a match-winning innings against Sri Lanka. Salt’s timely return to form, especially with Jos Buttler’s struggles, bodes well for England.

England hold the advantage over Pakistan due to its familiarity with the venue. They won a three-match T20I series 3-0 earlier this month in Pallekele and also won the Super Eight game against Sri Lanka.

Meanwhile, Pakistan, heavily bank on their spin arsenal, which includes Usman Tariq, Saim Ayub, Abrar Ahmed, Shadab Khan and Mohammad Nawaz.

However, the inconsistency with the bat remains a concern for Pakistan.

The likes of Saim Ayub, captain Salman Agha and seasoned batter Babar Azam must step up to support opener Sahibzada Farhan, who is the leading run scorer of the tournament with 220 runs from four innings.

Head-to-head Record

Played: 31 | England won: 21 | Pakistan won: 9 | No result: 1

When and where to watch the T20 World Cup Super 8 match between Zimbabwe and the West Indies?

The T20 World Cup 2026 Super Eight match between England and Pakistan will be telecast live on Star Sports Network and streamed live on the JioHotsar app.

The match begins at 7.00 pm IST.