As the cricketing world turns its eyes toward the blockbuster T20 World Cup 2026 encounter between arch-rivals India and Pakistan, former Pakistan captain Shahid Afridi has stepped forward with a tactical blueprint for victory.
Facing off against Suryakumar Yadav's formidable Indian side, Afridi has advised the Men in Green, led by Salman Ali Agha, to adopt a calculated approach rather than relying solely on raw aggression.
Shahid Afridi tells Pakistan players to be Composed
Despite his own legacy as one of the most explosive hitters in cricket history, Afridi is urging the current squad to play a "cautious brand of cricket. " According to the former all-rounder, the high-pressure nature of an India-Pakistan clash is not decided by moments of brilliance, but by discipline. Afridi emphasizes that
the team that maintains its nerve will come out on top.
"Mistakes happen, but the team that commits fewer errors across the three departments-batting, bowling, and fielding-will succeed," Afridi stated.
A key pillar of Afridi's strategy relies on maximizing Pakistan's improved squad composition. He noted that the current team possesses significant batting depth, with capable hitters extending down to the number eight position.
"We have a solid line-up and several players capable of hitting big," he observed.
However, having depth doesn't mean taking early risks. Afridi's specific instruction to the top order is to value their wickets and occupy the crease deep into the innings. He believes that if the specialists do the heavy lifting, the lower order can capitalize on the death overs without pressure.
Is Abhishek Sharma Playing India vs Pakistan? Suryakumar Confirms
Explaining the logic behind his game plan, Afridi said: "If our top six batters cannot bat through 15 or 16 overs, then after the sixth wicket falls, let the last two hitters take over for the remaining 24 balls to post a competitive total. "
Pakistan have had their struggles against India in the World Cups. In the T20 format, they have just won once in eight attempts. As Salman Ali Agha and troops take the field against a buoyant Indian side, they will have to play out of their skins to get a positive result.
