Tuesday’s Super 8 thriller pits Pakistan against England in T20 World Cup 2026, a must-win after New Zealand rainout. R Ashwin, the Indian spinning oracle, champions Fakhar Zaman’s return to the playing XI, specifically in middle-order fireworks.
Tournament goalless so far for Fakhar, who notched 20 runs in two recent home T20Is vs Australia. Selected against New Zealand, downpour ensured zero play.
From 2017 T20I debut, he’s crafted 2,385 runs in 118 games (avg 23.38, 13×50), plus 92 ODIs and 3 Tests—a treasure trove of experience.
Via X, Ashwin implores: Pakistan, get real about the Cup—bat Fakhar mid-order. Sweeps vs Rashid/Dawson, footwork mastery to shred England in overs 7-15.
He spotlights Nepal’s Rashid rout: 42/3 overs, no scalps. Wagon wheel wisdom: Step out, hammer square boundaries into prime zones. Other teams, take note.
Under Salman Agha’s helm, this tweak could transform fortunes. Ashwin’s analysis blends stats, strategy, and instinct, echoing Nepal’s upset formula. England spinner-heavy? Fakhar’s the antidote. As Super 8 heats up, Pakistan’s bold call on Zaman might define their campaign’s arc—from setback to surge.