T20 World Cup 2026: Know why Faheem Ashraf is not playing in today’s PAK vs ENG Super 8 match. Read
Pallekele International Cricket Stadium is a high-energy T20 World Cup 2026 The Super 8 is set for a clash where Pakistan and England face each other, this match could define the direction of their semi-finals.
against New Zealand in Colombo disappointing rain affected match After, Pakistan captain Salman Ali Agha won the toss and elected to bat first, saying they needed to set a “high score” as on this pitch the team that sets the target usually has the advantage. Under the sun, England captain Harry Brook admitted that he too would have liked to bat first, but he is confident in his team’s ability to chase down any score on what looks to be a classic batting-friendly pitch.
T20 World Cup 2026: Reasons why Faheem Ashraf is not playing in today’s PAK vs ENG match
The main news from the Pakistan camp is the return of their premier fast bowler, Shaheen Shah Afridi, who has replaced Faheem Ashraf, the only change to the squad named for the rain-affected match. Captain Salman Ali Aga explained that while Faheem has been a reliable all-round option, the decision to bring back Shaheen was a strategic move to increase the wicket-taking threat in the early overs against England’s explosive top order. Agha said the balance of the team remains strong, adding:
“With the rain-affected match, Faheem is out and Shaheen is coming back into the team. We have a strong spin attack, but our fast bowling is equally good. Depending on the situation, I can go in any direction. This is my first ICC tournament as captain, it is definitely a responsibility, but I am enjoying it and really looking forward to facing this challenge.”
T20 World Cup 2026: A must-win Super 8 match for the green clothes in Pallekele
The road to the T20 World Cup 2026 has been a game of momentum and weather to keep an eye on for both the teams. England top Group 2 in this encounter, having already achieved an impressive 51-run win against Sri Lanka, where Will Jacques and Jofra Archer demolished the hosts. For Pakistan, the journey has been more risky; After a strong group stage, a “no result” against New Zealand has left them on just one point, making today’s match a virtual knockout. Defeat will force Pakistan to rely on complex mathematical scenarios and other outcomes to reach the semi-finals.
The rivalry adds another level of pressure, as Pakistan have never defeated England in their three previous T20 World Cup encounters. However, with Sahibzada Farhan topping the run-scoring charts of the tournament and a spin-heavy attack designed to take advantage of the Pallekele pitch, Pakistan are relying on their familiarity with Sri Lankan conditions to break this curse. For Harry Brook’s England, a win tonight will see them through to the semi-finals, while for Pakistan, it is a struggle to keep their World Cup dreams alive before their final Super 8 encounter against Sri Lanka.
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