Rain played spoilsport in Pakistan’s Super 8 opener against New Zealand, but redemption awaits against England on Tuesday in T20 World Cup 2026. Ravichandran Ashwin, India’s off-spin maestro, is urging the Men in Green to revive Fakhar Zaman’s role in the middle order.
Yet to bat in the tournament, the 35-year-old last donned green against Australia domestically, aggregating 20 runs in two T20Is. Rain robbed him of action in the New Zealand Super 8 after selection.
A T20I veteran since 2017, Fakhar boasts 2,385 runs from 118 matches at 23.38, with 13 fifties. His resume includes 92 ODIs and 3 Tests, underlining his all-phase prowess.
Ashwin’s X post cuts straight: For a genuine World Cup push, play Fakhar mid-order. He excels at sweeping Rashid and Dawson, leveraging footwork to brutalize middle overs against England.
Referencing Nepal’s group-stage demolition of Rashid—42 runs in 3 overs, wicketless—Ashwin shared their wagon wheel tactics: Advance to strike square boundaries in the hitting arc. This formula propelled Nepal to success against the two-time champions.
Pakistan, captained by Salman, stands at a crossroads. Fakhar’s inclusion could inject aggression against spin, mirroring Nepal’s blueprint. Ashwin’s cross-border counsel highlights cricket’s universal language of smart play. As lineups finalize, Fakhar’s fate hangs in balance—ignore at peril, embrace for potential glory.