Pakistan are facing England in the crucial Super Eights Group 2 fixture of the ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2026 on Tuesday (February 24) night at Pallekele, which is almost a must-win fixture for the Men in Green. When Pakistan is playing a big match in the tournament, there is always a question about whether the left-arm fast bowler Shaheen Shah Afridi is playing the match or not. 

As the Pakistan vs New Zealand match was washed out in rain with no result, which was the first game of the Super Eights of the ongoing T20 World Cup, Pakistan will be in a strong position with a win against England. Meanwhile, a defeat against England will put Pakistan in a very challenging position. 

Shaheen Shah Afridi replaced Faheem Ashraf

While Pallekele is hosting the Pakistan vs England match, Pakistan captain Salman Ali Agha won the toss and chose to bat first. At toss, Pakistan skipper also confirmed that there was one change in the squad. Pakistan fast bowler Shaheen Shah Afridi has returned to the playing XI as the replacement for Faheem Ashraf.

Shaheen Shah Afridi hardly effective with ball in T20 World Cup 2026

The 25-year-old Shaheen Shah Afridi has picked up three wickets in three games of the tournament. However, the left-arm fast bowler has proved very costly with the ball in hand. He missed the last group stage game against Namibia and was also on the bench during their first Super Eights fixture against New Zealand, which was washed out in the rain.

With the bat in hand, Shaheen has been unbeaten in the tournament with 5 not out, 9 not out, and 23 not out, respectively. 

Shaheen is currently under pressure, and the left-arm fast bowler has to prove himself in this crucial fixture against England.