ENG vs PAK: Why did Faheem Ashraf miss T20 World Cup 2026 match 45?
(Courtesy : ICC)
Faheem Ashraf was part of Pakistan’s playing XI in all the previous matches of the T20 World Cup 2026.
England and Pakistan are clashing in the Super 8 round of the T20 World Cup 2026 on February 24 (Thursday) at Pallekele International Cricket Stadium in Pallekele. The ENG and PAK 45th game is a crucial one for both teams.
Harry Brook & Co. will book a berth in the semi-final if they win the match. On the other hand, Pakistan will face a tough challenge in the lead-up to the semis if they lose against England.
Pakistan won the toss and opted to bat first in the match. At the toss, Pakistan captain Salman Agha informed that they made one change to their playing XI. Faheem Ashraf was absent from their team. Notably, he was part of all the previous five games of the tournament.
On the other hand, England captain Harry Brook said that they did not make any changes to their playing XI.
Why is Faheem Ashraf not playing against England?
Agha informed that pacer Shaheen Afridi replaced Ashraf in the playing XI for the match. Afridi was not part of Pakistan’s previous two games and last played against India on February 15. Across three matches, he has picked three scalps.
Revealing Pakistan’s playing XI, Agha said “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”.
In Pakistan’s opening game against Netherlands in T20 World Cup, Ashraf scored crucial unbeaten 29 runs towards the end to bring the team home. In the 148-run chase, Pakistan reached a tense situation by losing seven wickets at 114 runs.
However, Ashraf rescued the team from a big upset with his batting. The bowling all-rounder failed to make a mark in the next two matches, getting out for 10 and 1. He has bowled in only one match against Namibia, where he remained wicketless.
Pakistan’s Playing XI: Sahibzada Farhan, Saim Ayub, Salman Agha (C), Babar Azam, Fakhar Zaman, Usman Khan (w), Shadab Khan, Mohammad Nawaz, Shaheen Afridi, Salman Mirza, Usman Tariq.
England’s Playing XI: Philip Salt, Jos Buttler(w), Jacob Bethell, Tom Banton, Harry Brook (C), Sam Curran, Will Jacks, Liam Dawson, Jamie Overton, Jofra Archer, Adil Rashid.
Why is Faheem Ashraf not part of the ENG vs PAK game?
Shaheen Afridi replaced Ashraf in the playing XI for the match.
Who won the toss in ENG vs PAK match of T20 World Cup 2026?
Pakistan won the toss and opted to bat first in the match.
What is the venue of ENG vs PAK match?
Pallekele International Cricket Stadium in Pallekele is the venue of ENG vs PAK match.
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Vikas Singh Derek is a core cricket-lover since childhood and has always followed the sport both in his personal and professional life. He started his school life by watching cricket at home with family. Later, he played cricket on the field at local clubs during college. After his Master's in Journalism from Mumbai, he followed his passion by covering cricket news across various digital media. Since 2015, he has been an aspiring sports journalist and cricket content writer with over 50K+ articles.