By Sadiq Mohammad
As a former Pakistan Test opener I have always believed that big matches are won through clarity of planning and disciplined execution. Today as Pakistan face Sri Lanka in a do-or-die encounter at the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup, I want to share my thoughts on how we can approach this crucial game.
First and foremost, if I were in charge, I would bat first. In pressure matches, it is always better to put runs on the board. However, we must play proper cricketing shots. In the first 10 overs, we should not lose more than two wickets. There is no need to go for big sixes early on. Instead, we should focus on sensible batting, rotate the strike, collect singles, convert hard-hit shots into twos and pick up the occasional boundary. After the powerplay, the emphasis should be on accumulation rather than reckless hitting.
I would open with Usman and Fakhar. They have the ability to give us a solid start. If Farhan gets set and reaches his fifty, he must not throw his wicket away. I would want him to bat at least until the 17th over and anchor the innings. Salman Agha and Shadab should come in at numbers five and six to provide stability and controlled acceleration in the later stages.
Our tail-enders must understand their limitations. If we are batting first, they should not attempt ambitious sixes or risky fours. Our lower order is not built for big hitting, so their role should be to rotate strike and support the recognized batsman.
In T20 cricket, I believe in calculated aggression. If a batsman wants to play a big shot, it should come early in the over — perhaps in the first or second ball and then the rest of the over should be about smart ground strokes and strike rotation. On the fourth, fifth, and sixth balls of an over, we should look to push hard for twos and keep the scoreboard moving. Whether we are setting a target or chasing one, the aim must be to stay close to the required total.
If we are chasing, we must get close to the target within the first 11 overs through disciplined and intelligent batting. Panic should never dictate our stroke play.
Bowling will be equally crucial. I want all our bowlers — fast bowlers and spinners alike — to pitch the ball up. When you bowl full, you bring three modes of dismissal into play: bowled, LBW, and caught. Short-length deliveries, especially from fast bowlers, reduce your chances to mainly one dismissal — caught. In the death overs, we must bowl at least six accurate yorkers. No unnecessary bouncers. Yorkers are our best weapon under pressure.
Team balance is extremely important. I would go with five proper bowlers, five batsmen, and one wicketkeeper-batsman. Too many batsmen can disturb the balance of the side. I would also consider bringing in Abrar instead of Nawaz to strengthen our bowling options.
We must also prepare for all scenarios. What if rain reduces the game to five overs per side? In that case, clarity of roles becomes even more important. Every player must know his responsibility.
This match against Sri Lanka is about discipline, composure, and smart cricket. If we play hard, intelligent cricket — not reckless cricket — Pakistan can win this crucial encounter and keep their campaign alive.
