Pakistan’s T20 World Cup 2026 journey hits a pivotal moment with Tuesday’s Super 8 showdown against England, following a rain-abandoned tie with New Zealand. Amid lineup debates, former India spinner R Ashwin has made a compelling case for unleashing Fakhar Zaman in the middle order.
The 35-year-old dynamite hasn’t featured yet in the tournament. His recent form dipped in the Australia T20I series at home, scoring 20 runs in two outings. Picked for the New Zealand game, fate denied him a chance due to incessant rain post-toss.
Fakhar’s T20I record speaks volumes: 118 games, 2,385 runs at 23.38 average, studded with 13 half-centuries since his 2017 debut. His experience extends to 92 ODIs and 3 Tests, making him a proven campaigner.
On social media platform X, Ashwin dissected the strategy: Pakistan must get serious and bat Fakhar at No. 4 or 5. His sweeping ability against spinners like Adil Rashid and Liam Dawson, combined with sharp footwork, could dismantle England during middle overs.
Ashwin pointed to Nepal’s masterclass against Rashid in the group stage—42 runs off 3 overs, zero wickets. He broke down their wagon wheel, advising teams to target square boundaries by stepping into the hitting zone. This blueprint, if adopted, could neutralize England’s spin threat.
As Salman Agha leads the side, ignoring Fakhar risks stagnation. Ashwin’s insight, rooted in his deep game understanding, underscores the need for bold selection. Will Pakistan embrace this middle-order firepower to reignite their title hopes? The England clash will reveal all.