Sahibzada Farhan backs Saim Ayub as Pakistan prepare for Super Eights clash with England
sahibzada farhan, the tournament's leading run-scorer with 220 runs in four innings, used a pre-match media appearance to back opening partner Saim Ayub ahead of Pakistan's Super Eight fixture against England.
Sahibzada Farhan sitting atop the run charts
At the ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2026, Farhan continues to shine: he sits at the summit of the run-scorers with 220 runs in four innings at an average of 73. 33, a form the ICC highlighted in its player features for T20WC 2026.
He defended Saim Ayub despite a lean patch
Farhan told reporters at the pre-match press conference that he has firm belief in Saim Ayub's ability to turn his form around, saying that not every player will perform in every match but that Ayub can still win a game by producing decent scores. The left-handed opener has mustered 63 runs in four matches at an average of 15. 75, with a highest score of 24 that came in Pakistan's campaign opener against Netherlands.
KANDY: press conferences and a Tuesday match at Pallekele
KANDY was the scene for the team's media work as Pakistan prepare for the crucial ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2026 Super Eights match against England, scheduled to be played here at the Pallekele International Cricket Stadium on Tuesday. Separately, Sahibzada Farman spoke to the media ahead of Pakistan's Super Eight fixture against England, and Pakistan's first match of the stage, against New Zealand, was washed out.
Saim Ayub's mixed form and all-round contributions
Ayub last scored a half-century in the third T20I of Pakistan's home series against Australia earlier this month but has been unable to reproduce that batting prowess in the ongoing 20-team tournament so far. While his batting numbers have dipped, Ayub has contributed with the ball, picking up five wickets at a bowling average of 10. 60 and an economy rate of 6. 62, a dual role that remains notable for the 2009 champions even as their batting starts have not yet solidified.
What this means ahead of England and the next steps
sahibzada farhan's public backing gives Pakistan a vote of confidence as they head into the Super Eight/Super Eights phase, but the team remains without a solid start with the bat in the mega event. The immediate next milestone is the Super Eights match against England at Pallekele International Cricket Stadium on Tuesday, where Pakistan will seek a stronger showing after their opening Super Eight-stage game against New Zealand was washed out.
