Basit Ali Predicts Fakhar Zaman In, Nafay Out for New Zealand Clash

KARACHI: Former Pakistan cricketer Basit Ali has predicted that Fakhar Zaman will return to Pakistan’s playing XI for the crucial Super Eight clash against New Zealand national cricket team in the ICC Men's T20 World Cup, while Khawaja Nafay could make way.

Pakistan begin their Super Eight campaign with a high-stakes T20 World Cup encounter at the R. Premadasa Stadium in Colombo, a venue known for its spin-friendly conditions and high humidity. The must-win fixture has intensified debate over Pakistan’s team combination, batting order stability, and selection strategy.

Speaking on a sports program, Basit Ali highlighted Fakhar Zaman’s experience in ICC tournaments and his strong record against New Zealand in T20 internationals. He suggested that Fakhar’s aggressive left-handed batting approach and ability to dominate pace attacks could give Pakistan a psychological edge in a pressure match.

Former captain Shoaib Malik also underlined Fakhar’s consistent performances against New Zealand in previous bilateral series and global events, reinforcing the argument for his inclusion in the Super Eight lineup. According to Malik, Fakhar has repeatedly delivered impactful innings against the Black Caps, making him a proven option in high-pressure games.

Wicketkeeper-batter Kamran Akmal supported the call to field Pakistan’s strongest possible XI at this critical stage of the tournament. He stressed that the Super Eight phase demands experienced players who can handle pressure situations and deliver match-winning performances. Akmal noted that Fakhar’s past record alone justifies giving him an opportunity, particularly in a game where momentum could define Pakistan’s T20 World Cup campaign.

Akmal also suggested that Saim Ayub could be dropped due to his recent dip in form. He criticized the young batter’s shot selection, footwork, and inability to convert starts into substantial scores, arguing that Pakistan cannot afford inconsistency while trying to revive their World Cup hopes.

Pakistan will be looking for a strong start in the Super Eight stage as they aim to regain momentum in the T20 World Cup 2026. Earlier, Basit Ali predicted the four semifinalists of the tournament, basing his assessment on group-stage performances and unbeaten records. He went on to claim that India and Pakistan could meet in the final, setting the stage for another high-voltage showdown in global T20 cricket.