Pakistan playing XI vs Netherlands- T20 World Cup 2026, Match 1- Babar Azam demoted, Fakhar Zaman OUT

Babar Azam in, Fakhar Zaman to be out of PAK XI vs NED [Source: AFP]

Pakistan are ready to begin their T20 World Cup campaign despite the ICC-PCB fallout over the potential boycott of the high-octane India clash. Led by Salman Ali Agha, Pakistan have a star-studded side that will take on the Netherlands in the inaugural match of the T20 World Cup 2026 on Saturday, February 7. 

The Men in Green had a wet start to the tournament, with their solitary warm-up fixture against Ireland getting washed out due to rain. The Pakistan players also missed a practice session, and there is a high chance that their tournament opener against the Dutch will also be affected by inclement weather in Colombo. 

Nevertheless, if the weather gods stay kind to both teams, we may witness a riveting clash between Pakistan and the Netherlands at Sinhalese Sports Club. As Pakistan prepare for the encounter, let's analyse and find out their probable playing XI. 

Top Order: Saim Ayub, Sahibzada Farhan, Salman Ali Agha

(T20I records of Pakistan's top order batters)

Pakistan rested Sahibzada Farhan as Fakhar Zaman opened the batting in the third T20I against Australia. However, as Fakhar is struggling with poor form (29 runs at an average of 5.8 in last 5 T20I innings), Farhan will be slotted back at the top. 

Sahibzada Farhan has been one of Pakistan's most reliable batters in recent times, amassing 836 runs, the most for his side, including eight half-centuries since 2025. Meanwhile, Saim Ayub is expected to ensure a flying start and chip in with his handy right-arm off-spin. 

Saim Ayub is the number-one-ranked ICC T20I allrounder, and his recent form (212 runs at a strike rate of 147.23 in last 7 T20I innings) makes him one of the players to watch out for in the T20 World Cup.

Captain Salman Ali Agha's promotion to number three has worked wonders for Pakistan, with the right-hander amassing 297 runs at a blistering strike rate of 167.80 across nine innings. He will play as one of Pakistan's aggressors in the powerplay and set the tone for the middle-order batters. 

Middle Order and All-rounders: Babar Azam, Usman Khan (WK), Shadab Khan, Mohammad Nawaz

Babar Azam, who used to bat at 3, will be demoted to number four, with Salman Ali Agha taking up his spot. As revealed by Pakistan's head coach, Mike Hesson, Babar will play as Pakistan's crisis man and consolidate the innings if the top-order falls flat. 

On the other hand, Usman Khan will likely be preferred over Khawaja Nafay for the wicketkeeper's slot, having proved his mettle in the Australia T20Is (71 runs in 2 innings, average- 35.50, SR- 142). 

(Mohammad Nawaz in T20Is since 2025)

The in-form duo of Shadab Khan and Mohammad Nawaz will get in as Pakistan's spin-bowling allrounders and are expected to play significant roles with bat and ball. As evidenced by the above stats, Mohammad Nawaz's red-hot form suggests that he could be the most valuable player for Pakistan in the showpiece event. 

Bowlers: Faheem Ashraf, Shaheen Afridi, Abrar Ahmed, Naseem Shah

If the track at Sinhalese Sports Club in Colombo is heavily favourable to spinners, Pakistan might consider including both Usman Tariq and Abrar Ahmed in their playing XI. However, if it's a relatively flat deck, Faheem Ashraf will likely get into the line-up, strengthening Pakistan's batting and bowling depth with his all-round attributes. 

Shaheen Afridi is expected to lead Pakistan's pace attack against the Netherlands, having bagged 128 T20I wickets in 98 matches. There could be a toss-up between Salman Mirza and Naseem Shah for the second frontline seamer's slot. However, Pakistan are expected to choose Naseem over Salman due to his experience. 

Pakistan's likely playing XI for T20 World Cup 2026 match vs Netherlands

Saim Ayub, Sahibzada Farhan, Salman Ali Agha (C), Babar Azam, Usman Khan (WK), Shadab Khan, Mohammad Nawaz, Faheem Ashraf, Shaheen Afridi, Abrar Ahmed, Naseem Shah