Former South Africa captain Faf du Plessis has urged Pakistan to review opener Fakhar Zaman’s batting status ahead of the ongoing ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 Super Eight round against Sri Lanka.
The multi-Test match will be held at Ballekala International Cricket Stadium on Saturday.
Speaking during the pre-match analysis segment on Local Sports Network, Du Plessis suggested that moving Fakhar up the order could provide Pakistan with the consistency and aggressive impetus they need during the powerplay and middle overs.
“I like the look of Fuker as a three-year-old; it feels like a positive adjustment for me,” du Plessis said.
“It’s a role he’s had success in before, batting around the one-down or number-phone position. He’s scored runs there, so I believe it’s a constructive move,” he added.
The 41-year-old veteran encouraged Pakistan to embrace an aggressive mindset while maintaining flexibility in their team selection based on match conditions.
He stressed the importance of carefully assessing the playing environment and tailoring a starting XI to the specific circumstances to keep their semi-final hopes alive.
“You have to pick a side with the intention of playing positive cricket,” du Plessis explained. “You have to ask yourself: Do we chase in a rain-shortened 13-over game, or do we bowl the opposition? Pick your team accordingly.”
Pakistan are currently third in Group 2 with one point from two matches.
To beat New Zealand, who have a net run rate of 1.390, the Green Shirts need to beat Sri Lanka by roughly 65 runs – or chase down the target within 13 overs – to improve that ratio. Pakistan’s net run rate currently stands at -0.461.
England’s recent win over New Zealand has kept Pakistan’s semi-final ambitions alive, although their fate now hinges on a crucial result against the co-hosts in Kandy.
If they fall short of the required margin, New Zealand will join England in advancing from Group 2 to the semi-finals.