By Sadiq Mohammad
I may be a little late in expressing my thoughts but this is very important and I feel compelled to share my views ahead of Pakistan’s Super Eights encounter against New Zealand in the ICC T20 Cup in Colombo.
In my opinion, Pakistan must bat first if they win the toss. We do not chase well under pressure and therefore it is vital that we put runs on the board and allow our bowlers to defend a competitive total. A score of 175-plus will be a fighting total on the Colombo surface.
Team Combination and Selection:
First, I believe Shaheen Afridi should be rested and Naseem Shah must come into the playing XI. We need two genuine fast bowlers in the side. Our bowling attack must include two pacers, two leg-spinners and one left-arm option to maintain the right balance.
If Faheem Ashraf is not going to be used as a bowler, then there is no point in including him. However, if we need a better situational batsman for the death overs, I would prefer Faheem over Usman Khan. Faheem is technically stronger and understands match situations far better.
Fakhar Zaman must be included in the side. I would also use Farhan as wicket-keeper and opening batsman. If Farhan keeps wickets, then Usman can be dropped and Faheem Ashraf should come in to strengthen the middle order.
We must avoid playing too many batsmen. Too many batsmen often disturb the balance of the side and then everyone tries to play reckless, slogging shots. Instead, we need a balanced combination: four proper batsmen, two all-rounders, four proper bowlers, and one wicketkeeper-batsman.
Batting Strategy
Whether we bat first or second, our batsmen must play correct, hard cricketing shots instead of slogging blindly. We must accumulate runs by covering all three stumps and playing proper ground strokes.
One senior batsman — especially Babar or Farhan must calm the innings and ensure he plays the final ball of every over. In fact, I strongly believe Babar must bat till the last ball of the 20th over, whether we are setting a target or chasing one.
Salman Agha should play his natural game. There is no need for rash shots. He is capable of building an innings sensibly.
Our batting plan should be structured as:
1–6 overs: 42 for 1
7–13 overs: 103 for 2
14–17 overs: 145 for 3
18–20 overs: 175-plus
If we bat first, we must not lose more than two wickets early. In the death overs, we should rely on accumulating ground shots rather than wasting deliveries with careless slogging. The last three overs must produce 10 to 12 runs per over through strong cricketing strokes in the “V” and straight towards the sight screen.
Bowling Plan
Our bowlers must focus on making the batsmen play forward. Short-pitched bowling in T20 cricket often gets punished. Therefore, I advise all bowlers to bowl fuller lengths and attack the stumps.
In the death overs, whether bowling first or second, our bowlers must aim for six yorkers an over. Accurate yorkers will prevent boundaries and especially sixes in the final overs.
Final Word
Pakistan must bat first if they win the toss. We need discipline, structure and cricketing shots, not uncontrolled slogging. If we are chasing, we must ensure that at least one proper batsman and one all-rounder such as Nawaz or Faheem are present in the death overs to finish strongly.
This match can be won with planning, balance, and correct cricketing thinking. If we follow this structure and maintain composure, Pakistan can overcome New Zealand and move forward with confidence.
Note: Sadiq Mohammad is a former Pakistan’s Test opener
