Whether Pakistan will play India in the T20 World Cup 2026, or will be allowed to played in the competition after all this drama.. let us keep all that aside, and by the looks of it, Salman Ali Agha seems to have gotten a decent squad at his disposal. The team is unpredictable as always, and shall remain so in the upcoming edition, but they can do fairly well in Sri Lankan conditions.
In the PAK vs AUS series, they were excellent where the bowlers and batters performed alike, and gave the visitors a run for their money. So, it becomes imperative to look at the playing XI Pakistan could field at the T20 World Cup.
Sahibzada Farhan & Saim Ayub on top
The form of Farhan might be bit of a concern, but Saim has been explosive on the top. In the three matches he went on to score 119 runs. But of them can be devastating. Not to forget, skipper’s promotion to no. 3 has been a great move. In the 2nd T20I he went on to score 76. So, that top order looks sorted.
Issues for Fakhar & Babar
They are the backbone of their side, but one is struggling with form, and the other with strike-rate. In 117 T20Is Fakhar averages only 23, while Babar has a strike-rate of under 130. In the BBL also, he struggled, and the strike rate was down to 102. Sri Lanka could be a tricky place to bat in.
Bowling sorted, in fact looks great
Shaheen is their spearhead, and will have Naseem Shah in company. Haris Rauf hasn’t been picked up, but that should not be a worry. Mohammad Nawaz, Shadab Khan, and the much-in-question Usman Tariq will be their frontline spinners. Latter’s action could be a big issue, but maybe not immediately.
Predicted New Zealand XI for T20 World Cup 2026
| Player | Role |
| Saim Ayub | All-rounder |
| Sahibzada Farhan | Opener |
| Babar Azam | Batter |
| Fakhar Zaman | Batter |
| Salman Ali Agha | All-rounder |
| Usman Khan | Wicket-keeper |
| Shadab Khan | All-rounder |
| Mohammad Nawaz | All-rounder |
| Faheem Ashraf | All-rounder |
| Shaheen Shah Afridi | Bowler |
| Usman Tariq | Bowler |
Pakistan full squad
Salman Ali Agha, Babar Azam, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Naseem Shah, Shadab Khan, Fakhar Zaman, Saim Ayub, Abrar Ahmed, Usman Khan, Faheem Ashraf, Mohammad Nawaz, Salman Mirza, Sahibzada Farhan, Khawaja Mohammad Nafay, Usman Tariq.
Cricket
Washington Sundar still doubtful for T20 World Cup, decision likely after Feb 4 bowling trial
