Pakistan cricket team are expected to field a full-strength side for their second Super 8 fixture of the T20 World Cup 2026 against England on Tuesday. Rain forced Salman Ali Agha and co’s first Super 8 fixture against New Zeland to be abandoned without a ball being bowled, resulting in both teams sharing a point each. Unlike the game against Namibia, Pakistan are expected to bring back Shaheen Shah Afridi for the tie against England while they will continue to persist with a spin-heavy unit in Pallekele.
Predicted Pakistan playing XI vs ENG
| Position | Player | Role |
|---|---|---|
| 1. | Sahibzada Farhan | Opener |
| 2. | Saim Ayub | All-rounder |
| 3. | Salman ali Agha (C) | Batter |
| 4. | Babar Azam | Batter |
| 5. | Usman Khan | Batter |
| 6. | Shadab Khan | All-rounder |
| 7. | Mohammad Nawaz | Spinner |
| 8. | Faheem Ashraf | All-rounder |
| 9. | Shaheen Afridi | Pacer |
| 10. | Usman Tarique | Spinner |
| 11. | Abrar Ahmad | Spinner |
In a bid to test their bench strength, Pakistan brought in Salman Mirza and Khawaja Nafay for their previous game. However, both these players are likely to pave way for Shaheen and Abrar’s return to the playing XI in the tie against England, given that both stars are experienced campaigners. Afridi has not been at his best so far in the tournament, having picked up just 3 wickets in as many games while also being quite expensive. However, Pakistan will not worry about that and will back their best pacer to deliver on the big stage.
In terms of the batting order, Pakistan head coach Mike Hesson has made it clear that Babar Azam will not be batting in the top three. The former New Zealand cricketer pointed out that Babar’s strike rate is less than 100 in World Cups and that there are other members in the team who can deliver on the expectations. Babar is unlikely to be dropped and will be expected to play the role of an anchor, should he come in to bat.
Given the nature of the Pallekele surface, spinners Saim Ayub, Abrar Ahmad and mystery spinner Usman Tarique will play a crucial role in restricting the England batters, who are known to be explosive in nature.
Pakistan squad for T20 World Cup
Sahibzada Farhan, Saim Ayub, Salman Agha(c), Babar Azam, Usman Khan(w), Shadab Khan, Mohammad Nawaz, Faheem Ashraf, Shaheen Afridi, Abrar Ahmed, Usman Tariq, Fakhar Zaman, Naseem Shah, Salman Mirza, Khawaja Nafay
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