as Pakistan preparing to meet England in high proportion T20 World Cup 2026 Super 8 clash at Pallekele International Cricket Stadium on 24th February 2026, subcontinental conditions are expected to play a decisive role. England’s first leg-spinner with a surface likely to offer significant spin Adil Rashid Looks like the main threat for Pakistan batting.
Ahead of this critical encounter, veteran Indian spinner Ravichandran Ashwin gave strategic advice to the Salman Ali Agha-led side, focusing on how to dismantle England’s Rashid and spin duo. Liam Dawson. Ashwin believes that the tactical plan for success has already been drawn up by an unlikely source: the Nepali cricket team.
T20 World Cup 2026: R Ashwin reveals Pakistan’s path to success against England in Pallekele
Ashwin urged Pakistan to reintegrate Fakhar Zaman to counter their middle-order, especially the threat posed by England’s spinners in the middle. Although Zaman has had a quiet tournament so far, Ashwin has highlighted his superior technical ability to drive high-quality spin using aggressive footwork and sweep stroke.
By promoting the left-hander, Pakistan could disrupt the rhythm of Rashid, who has already taken eight wickets in the tournament but is vulnerable to shots aimed at the boundaries of the field. Ashwin points to Nepal’s performance on February 8, where their batsmen targeted Rashid mercilessly, forcing him to a spell of 0/42 in just three overs. This aggressive approach forced England into a defensive shell and almost resulted in one of the biggest upsets in T20 World Cup history.
“If Pakistan are serious about this World Cup campaign, they should consider giving Fakhar Zaman a go in the middle order. He can sweep the leg and cause serious damage through the medium overs against Rashid and Dawson. That was Nepal’s formula for success against Rashid and there are a few key learnings other teams can try to absorb. Enter the steps in the square steps.” Ashwin wrote in X.
If Pakistan are serious about this World Cup campaign, they should consider giving Fakhar Zaman a middle order.
He can sweep and use his legs against Rashid and Dawson with his sweeper.
These were the success formulas of Nepal… pic.twitter.com/QMAhQm2GZR
— Ashwin 🇮🇳 (@ashwinravi99) February 24, 2026
Must win Super 8 for Pakistan in T20 World Cup 2026
The clash at Pallekele is a must-win for Pakistan after their opening game against the Super 8s New Zealand was abandoned due to rain, leaving them with just one point. England, on the other hand, enter the game with great confidence after demolishing Sri Lanka for 51 runs. Will Jacks and Jofra Archer proved to be lethal on the power play.
Pakistan’s hopes are on form Sahibzade FarhanTop of the table with 220 runs and a spin heavy attack Osman Tariq and Abrar Ahmed. However, as Ashwin pointed out, the key to victory lies in the middle-order battle; If Pakistan can use “Time” to “get into the strike zone”, they may finally find the formula to end England’s unbeaten run in the Super 8s.
