In a crucial Super 8 clash of the T20 World Cup 2026, Pakistan faces England on Tuesday after their match against New Zealand was washed out by rain. Indian spin wizard Ravichandran Ashwin has thrown his weight behind an experienced Pakistani batter, advising the team to slot Fakhar Zaman into the middle order for this high-stakes encounter.
Fakhar, 35, has been warming the bench throughout the tournament so far. His last appearance for Pakistan came in a home T20I series against Australia, where he managed just 20 runs across two games. Selected for the rained-out Super 8 game versus New Zealand, he didn’t get to bat as not a single ball was bowled.
Since debuting in T20Is on June 7, 2017, Fakhar has featured in 118 matches, amassing 2,385 runs at an average of 23.38, including 13 fifties. The southpaw has also played 3 Tests and 92 ODIs, showcasing his versatility across formats.
Ashwin, posting on X, emphasized Fakhar’s unique skills: ‘If Pakistan is serious about this World Cup campaign, they should consider giving Fakhar Zaman a chance in the middle order. He can sweep against Rashid and Dawson, using his footwork to damage England in the middle overs.’
Drawing from Nepal’s blueprint, Ashwin highlighted how the minnows smashed 42 runs off three overs from England’s premier spinner Adil Rashid in the group stage, without conceding a wicket. Sharing Nepal’s wagon wheel against Rashid, he noted key tactics like stepping out to access the square boundaries and hitting into the zone effectively.
With Pakistan under pressure to bounce back, Ashwin’s tactical nudge could be the game-changer. Fakhar’s sweeping prowess against spin might just unlock the door against England’s spin attack, setting the stage for a thrilling Super 8 battle. As the team deliberates its XI, all eyes are on whether captain Salman will heed this sage advice from across the border.