Pakistan Cricket Team at T20 World Cup 2026. Image Credits: AFP
Pakistan have been doing Pakistan things, yet again. As the Salman Ali Agha-led unit gets set to play their second clash in the Super 8 of the T20 World Cup 2026, they are still to find their best suitable winning combination.
After having a topsy-turvy time at the group stages, Pakistan's first game against New Zealand in the Super 8s was washed out, meaning they find themselves in a do-or-die situation. Although the last game didn't hint at any tactical changes that the Asian side may make ahead of the England clash, as well.
Notably, England have had the upper hand over Pakistan in T20Is, winning 57 of 92 games. Meanwhile, the Men in Green are yet to open their account against the Three Lions in the T20 World Cups.
Pakistan Playing XI vs England- Super 8, T20 World Cup 2026
Openers and Top Order: Sahibzada Farhan, Saim Ayub, Salman Agha
Apart from Sahibzada Farhan, the Pakistan top-three have been as convincing as they have wished for. Both Ayub and Agha have not fared well so far, scoring 63 and 55 runs (in four games each), respectively. However, Farhan has been a different gravy, amassing 220 runs at a strike rate close to 165.
In the Pakistan Playing XI vs England, the top order will be eager to lay a solid foundation. Having said that, Ayub may face some heat against the likes of Will Jacks, who is likely to operate with the new ball at Kandy.
Middle-order and all-rounders: Babar Azam, Fakhar Zaman, Shadab Khan, Usman Khan
The eyeballs are certainly on Babar Azam, the best batter to come from Pakistan in the last decade or so. However, the stylish Pakistan has been awfully out of form in this megaevent, baring his knock of 46 runs versus the USA. There is a buzz going around with speculations of Babar getting dropped from Pakistan Playing XI vs England for Khawaja Nafay, but the team management has shown ample trust in the 31-year-old batter.
Meanwhile, Usman Khan and Shadab Khan have started to come good for the Men in Green. The keeper batter played a sublime knock against the archrivals, India, whereas Shadab was emphatic against the USA and Namibia.
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Fakhar Zaman, regarded as a big-match player, can be the dark horse in the Pakistan Playing XI vs England, as he was drafted in for the first time in this tournament in the abandoned New Zealand tie.
Bowlers: Mohammad Nawaz, Faheem Ashraf, Usman Tariq, Salman Mirza
Pakistan have always had one of the best bowling attacks, and so is the case this time around. Although not their pacers, Pakistan's tweakers have been a ball in this T20 World Cup.
The unconventional off-spinner, Usman Tariq, has been the highest wicket-taker in Pakistan Playing XI vs England, scalping 8 wickets off four outings. On the other hand, Mohammad Nawaz, along with Shadab Khan and Saim Ayub, have been consistent in blocking off runs. Pakistan's spin “tetra team” is touted to be their prime bet against a team like England.
Drafted late, Salman Mirza has been a dream to watch bowling with the new ball. The 32-year-old is not just giving them breaks early on, but complementing the rest of the attack. Whereas, Faheem Ashraf has been the best fifth (or sixth) bowling option in the Pakistan Playing XI vs England any side team ask for, especially in the Sri Lankan conditions.
Pakistan Playing XI Vs England- Sahibzada Farhan, Saim Ayub, Salman Ali Agha (c), Babar Azam, Fakhar Zaman, Usman Khan (wk), Shadab Khan, Mohammad Nawaz, Faheem Ashraf, Usman Tariq, Salman Mirza
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