Ashwin to Pakistan T20 Squad: Take the Risk, Play Fakhar Zaman Against England

Ravichandran Ashwin has urged Pakistan national cricket team to make a bold selection call ahead of their must-win Super Eight clash against England cricket team, suggesting the inclusion of Fakhar Zaman could prove decisive.

Pakistan face England at the Pallekele International Cricket Stadium with their tournament hanging in the balance after their opening Super Eight match against New Zealand was washed out. A defeat would leave them dependent on other results to reach the semi-finals.

Ashwin's tactical warning for Pakistan T20 squad

Ashwin believes Pakistan must counter England's spin threat more proactively, particularly against Adil Rashid and Liam Dawson, who have controlled the middle overs effectively in the tournament.

"If Pakistan are serious about this World Cup campaign, they need to think about giving Fakhar Zaman a go in the middle order. He can sweep and use his feet against Rashid and Dawson to inflict some serious damage through the middle overs," Ashwin wrote on X.

Fakhar has yet to feature in the ongoing World Cup and last appeared during Pakistan's home series against Australia, where he managed 20 runs in two matches. Despite that, Ashwin argued that his sweeping ability and willingness to attack spin could disrupt England's rhythm.

Ashwin also pointed to Nepal's approach against Rashid earlier in the tournament as a potential blueprint. Nepal targeted square boundaries and accumulated 42 runs in three overs against England's premier leg-spinner during the group stage.

"This was Nepal's success formulae against Rashid, and there are some key learning's that the other teams can try to imbibe. Access the square boundaries to earn balls in the step hit zone," Ashwin explained while sharing Nepal's wagon wheel against Rashid.

Experience as a differentiator

Fakhar brings considerable experience, having played 118 T20Is and scored 2,385 runs, including 13 half-centuries. While his average of 23.38 reflects inconsistency, his aggressive style and range against spin offer Pakistan a potential point of difference.

With England capable of sealing a semi-final berth with victory, Pakistan's margin for error is minimal. Ashwin's message is clear: in a match likely to hinge on spin control in the middle overs, proactive selection - not conservatism - may determine whether Pakistan remain contenders or fall behind in the Super Eight race.