Colombo: Cricket fans have called for left-arm opener Fakhar Zaman to be included in Pakistan’s playing XI for the Super Eight clash against New Zealand in the ongoing ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026.
This high-level meeting will be held today Saturday at the R. Premadasa International Cricket Stadium.
Historically, Pakistan and New Zealand have met seven times in T20 World Cups, with Pakistan leading 5-2.
Fakhar, who is yet to feature in a match during the ongoing tournament, last played in the home T20I series against Australia, where he scored 10 runs each in both the matches.
Despite his modest recent outings, a large section of supporters believe he should be included in the line-up for the crucial match against the Black Caps.
Many fans suggested that Fakhar’s strong record against New Zealand made him a better choice, with some calling for Babar Azam to be dropped from the side.
“Fakhar Zaman should play today. Hope he scores big,” wrote a fan on X.
Another supporter points to his stats against New Zealand and backs the call for his inclusion.
Faqar Zaman averages against New Zealand
T20I: 27.44 Avg – SR: 134.25
ODI: 57.73 Avg – SR: 91.50
With his record against New Zealand and his psychological edge over the likes of Santner and Sodhi, he has to play,” the fan said.
Another user wrote, “Fakhar Zaman is the best choice for today’s match against New Zealand. His record against them is good. Please bring back Fakhar.”
Some of the reactions were more direct, with one fan posting, “Babar Azam should be sacked, Faqar Zaman should play tomorrow.”
Another supporter slammed the potential team selection, saying it was unfair to ignore Fakker despite his performance against the Black Caps.
“If Babar Azam plays Fakhar Zaman against New Zealand tomorrow, it will be a great injustice and travesty for Pakistan cricket, even after knowing Fakhar’s record against them,” the fan wrote.
Notably, the 35-year-old has played 17 T20Is against New Zealand, scoring 439 runs at a strike rate of 134.25, including three fifties.
His last big impact against the Black Caps came during the 2023 ICC Men’s ODI World Cup. Pakistan beat New Zealand by 21 runs in TLS mode in the 35th match of the tournament at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru.
With Pakistan at 200-1 in 25.3 overs before a rain-stopped match, Fakhar Zaman (126*) and skipper Babar Azam (66*) remained unbeaten at the crease.
Fakhar’s brilliant performance saw Pakistan take a 21-run lead on the DLS score and were declared the winners.
During that innings, Fakhar scored a 63-ball century, the fastest by a Pakistan batsman in a World Cup match, eclipsing Imran Nasir’s 95-ball century against Zimbabwe in the 2007 World Cup.
comments