T20 World Cup 2026: Here’s why Faheem Ashraf is not playing today’s PAK vs ENG Super 8 game

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The Pallekele International Cricket Stadium is bracing for a high-octane T20 World Cup 2026 Super 8 encounter as Pakistan and England face off in a match that could define their semi-final trajectories.

Coming off a frustrating washout in Colombo against New Zealand, Pakistan captain Salman Ali Agha won the toss and elected to bat first, citing the need to set an ‘above-par total’ on a pitch that has historically favored the side setting the target. With the sun beating down on a fresh surface, England captain Harry Brook admitted he would have also preferred to bat first but remains confident in his side’s ability to chase down any total on what looks like a classic batting-friendly track.

The headline news from the Pakistan camp is the return of their premier fast bowler, Shaheen Afridi, who replaces Faheem Ashraf in the only change from the side named for the rained-off game. Captain Salman Ali Agha clarified that while Faheem has been a reliable all-round option, the decision to bring back Shaheen was a strategic move to bolster the early-innings wicket-taking threat against England’s explosive top order. Agha noted that the team’s balance remains strong, stating:

“From the rained-off game, Faheem misses out and Shaheen comes back into the side. We have a strong spin attack, but our fast bowling is just as good. Depending on the situation, I can go either way. This being my first ICC tournament as captain, it’s obviously a responsibility, but I’m enjoying it and really looking forward to the challenge.”

Also READ: ‘If Pakistan are serious about T20 World Cup’: R Ashwin’s masterplan to neutralise England’s spin threat in Pallekele

The road through the T20 World Cup 2026 has been a game of momentum and weather-watching for both sides. England enters this fixture at the top of Group 2, having already secured a clinical 51-run victory over Sri Lanka, where Will Jacks and Jofra Archer dismantled the hosts. For Pakistan, the journey has been more precarious; after a solid group stage, the “No Result” against New Zealand has left them with just one point, making today’s game a virtual knockout. A loss would leave Pakistan relying on complex mathematical scenarios and other results to reach the semi-finals.

The rivalry adds another layer of pressure, as Pakistan have never beaten England in their three previous T20 World Cup meetings. However, with Sahibzada Farhan leading the tournament run-scoring charts and a spin-heavy attack designed to exploit the Pallekele grip, Pakistan is banking on their familiarity with Sri Lankan conditions to break the curse. For Brook’s England, a win tonight would secure their spot in the semi-finals with a game to spare, while for Pakistan, it is a fight to keep their World Cup dreams alive before their final Super 8 clash against Sri Lanka.

Also READ: ENG vs PAK, T20 World Cup 2026 Super 8: Pallekele International Cricket Stadium Pitch Report, T20I Stats and Records