Exception Fakhar Zaman Pakistan’s playing XI for the second T20I against Australia has sparked wide debate among fans and former cricketers. The match played at the Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore saw Pakistan win the toss and elect to bat first, but Fakhar’s absence was one of the biggest talking points before the first ball was bowled.
There is no place for Fakhar Zaman in Pakistan’s 11th over
Fakhar Zaman was ruled out after his disappointing performance in the series opener in which he managed just 10 runs off 16 deliveries.
Meanwhile, former Pakistan captain Younis Khan publicly backed Fakhar Zaman and expressed his disagreement with the decision to call the shots. Younis emphasized that Fakhar’s real value is at the top of the order, where his skill set is amply used when he is asked to bat at the bottom.
Younis asserted that if Fakhar is allowed to open the innings, he can guarantee explosive starts during the powerplay – which could be more aggressive than Australia’s approach. According to him, Fakhar’s natural instincts and batting are best suited for the opening role, where he can take advantage of the pitch’s limitations.
Younis further explained that dropping Fakhar to tier 4 or 5 goes against the Undertaker’s natural play. While some medium doughs can adapt to unfolding, the opposite is often more difficult.
He added that even in the absence of an opening slot, Fakhar should be slotted in at the No. 3 position, where he has delivered match-winning performances for Pakistan in the past.
Younis Khan supports Fakhar Zaman, calls on the leadership to restore his natural role 🇵🇰🏏
Fakhar Zaman remains a rare talent for Pakistan 🏏🔥 who can single-handedly win matches, but his impact is waning as he mishandles his role in the team.
Formation of Pakistan… pic.twitter.com/8v3OIZvU7s
— The Cricket🏏Village 🇬🇧🇵🇰🇦🇺🇮🇳🇿🇦🇧🇩🇱🇰 (@MSohailAfzal10) January 31, 2026
PAK vs AUS, 2nd T20I: 11th over for both teams
Australia: Matthew Short, Travis Head, Mitchell Marsh(c), Cameron Green, Josh Inglis (wk), Matt Renshaw, Cooper Connolly, Xavier Bartlett, Sean Abbott, Matthew Kuhnemann, Adam Zampa
Pakistan: Sahibzade Farhan, Saim Ayub, Salman Agha (c), Babar Azam, Usman Khan (wk), Mohammad Nawaz, Shadab Khan, Faheem Ashraf, Abrar Ahmed, Naseem Shah, Usman Tariq.
