Kandy: Pakistan opener Sahibzada Farhan played down the challenge of right-arm fast bowler Jofra Archer in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 Super Eights at Ballekele International Cricket Stadium on Tuesday.
Farhan, who has scored 220 runs in four innings at an impressive average of 73.33 in the ongoing 20-team tournament, said he is ready to take on England’s Archer while addressing a pre-match press conference at the said stadium earlier today.
“It’s not a big deal to face Jofra Archer, we are playing against similar bowlers in Pakistan who can bowl at 145 kmph,” Farhan told reporters here.
“Well, it’s no big deal, but as you said, he must have planned against me; I have plans against him too.”
After their Super Eight opener against New Zealand was abandoned due to persistent rain in Colombo last week, the upcoming match is crucial for Pakistan as they need a win to keep their semi-final hopes alive.
However, a defeat would significantly reduce their chances as they would have to defeat co-hosts Sri Lanka and rely on the results of the remaining Group 2 matches to go in their favour.
Also, having never beaten England in the T20 World Cup, the figures will be against Pakistan on Tuesday, but Farhan was confident of their spin bowling stock to take down the two-time champions.
“What we saw in the Sri Lanka-England game was that the ball was tight and England struggled against the spin,” Farhan said.
“Sri Lanka have one or two spinners but we have five in total so we will give England a tough time on a pitch that is good and catchable,” he added.