Pakistan’s best XI for T20 World Cup 2026

Pakistan can be considered one of the dark horses in the upcoming T20 World Cup, starting on Saturday, February 7. They have often punched above their weight in ICC events and would hope that the early exit in the 2024 T20 World Cup was a minor blip.

The conversation around the Pakistan team has been mostly dominated by their government's decision not to allow them to face India on February 15. Apart from the game against India, the Men in Green are scheduled to face the UAE, Namibia, and the Netherlands, who are all placed in Group A.

Salman Ali Agha's men would be entering the tournament with confidence, having beaten Australia 3-0 in a three-match T20I series at home.

Here's India's Predicted XI against England:

Openers: Fakhar Zaman/Sahibzada Farhan, Saim Ayub

There is going to be a selection conundrum at the top for Pakistan. Either Fakhar Zaman or Sahibzada Farhan is going to form the opening pair with Saim Ayub. Both Fakhar and Farhan failed to impress during the series against Australia. However, Pakistan will hope that at least one of them finds form during the marquee event.

Meanwhile, Saim Ayub had a brilliant outing against the Aussies. In three innings, he scored 119 runs at an average of 39.67 and a strike rate of 170. He will have a crucial role to play at the top of the order, being one of the in-form batters in the side.