![Usman Tariq drops a simple catch [Source: X]](https://onecricketnews.akamaized.net/parth-editor/oc-dashboard/news-images-prod/1771950646479_UsmanTariqdropsasimplecatch.jpg?type=hq)
Usman Tariq drops a simple catch [Source: X]
It seems like the trademark fielding effort from Pakistan will never leave their soul. In what can be called a high-stakes T20 World Cup 2026 match between Pakistan and England, Usman Tariq, the centre of many recent headlines, has made a heinous mistake.
The peculiar off-spinner of the Men in Green dropped a vital match during the clash at Pallekel Stadium on Tuesday, February 24, while England was already in ruins chasing the 165.
The ‘Pakistan Way’ of Taking a Catch
It’s an open secret that the nemesis of India and their efforts to grab a ball have always been marred by dire miscommunications that have often seen players collide with each other in a horsefight-like rush or just simply drop a sitter with two players waiting for each other to palm the ball.
While comical, these costly mistakes have caused the Men in Green to let go of many important matches in a tournament that ultimately wrote their fate. However, it seems like these mistakes always find a way or another to sneak up and haunt the arch-rivals of the Indian cricket team.
Usman Tariq Drops a Sitter to Give Bethell a Lifeline
It was the fifth ball of the 4th over when Saim Ayub was bowling to Jacob Bethell and Harry Brook. The over had started on a good note, with Bethell and Brook rotating the strike. However, on the penultimate delivery of the over, a moment emerged where Bethell almost lost his wicket.
It is important to note that at that point, England were struggling at 29 for 2, as Usman Tariq had dropped the crucial wicket of the English batter. On the fifth delivery, Saim Ayub bowled a full-length ball on the middle-stump line. Jacob, attempting a weak slog sweep, went down on one knee but mistimed it and got a top edge.
Also Read: Fact Check- Were Pakistan Players Treated As Terrorists? Usman Tariq Investigated
The ball went straight up in the air towards short fine leg. While the wicketkeeper was positioned under it, Usman Tariq called for the catch and cut across him to get into the line of the ball. As he kept his eyes on the ball, he ended up juggling it twice before putting it down, slipping and losing his balance in the process.
The crucial chance was not taken lightly, and disappointment was evident on Usman Tariq’s face after dropping the catch. Saim Ayub was also visibly disappointed with the poor fielding effort from Tariq, who later made up for the drop by dismissing Tom Banton in the 8th over.
England Put Up Resilience During Daunty Chase
Nevertheless, this gave England a fighting chance after they had lost two early wickets in Pakistan's chase. The very first over saw Shaheen Afridi dismiss Phil Salt for a duck. Jos Buttler also departed soon, leaving the responsibility to Jacob Bethell and Harry Brook.
While Bethell got his opportunity, he did not last long as Shaheen Afridi picked up his wicket in the fifth over, with England reeling at 58 for 4 inside eight overs after Tom Banton’s dismissal.
Sahibzada Farhan, Babar Azam Steer Team’s Ship With The Bat
Earlier, Pakistan had also struggled at the start, losing two wickets inside four overs. However, contributions from Sahibzada Farhan and solid performances from Babar Azam, Fakhar Zaman, and Shadab Khan helped the team post a competitive total of 164 on the board at Pallekele.
This fight now rests in the hands of the Pakistan bowlers, who will need to raise their game soon to dismantle England’s batting lineup early and secure their first point in the T20 World Cup 2026 points table after their inaugural Super 8 clash against New Zealand was abandoned.
Also Read: Road To Semi-Finals: Tactical Changes India Must Apply To Stay Alive In T20 World Cup 2026
