Win Projections to be updated soon
Rawalpindi, 18 November 2025:
Pakistan all-rounder Salman Ali Agha says the team will stick to its settled T20 approach as it enters the tri-series against Sri Lanka and Zimbabwe, insisting that recent form and squad balance provide confidence heading into the event.
Speaking to reporters ahead of the series opener, Salman said Pakistan’s strong outing earlier in the week reinforced the group’s belief.
“Our performance on Monday was very good and we’re confident going into this series,” Salman said. “There won’t be major changes in strategy because we’ve been playing continuous T20I cricket for the past three to four months.”
All-rounders remain central to team combination
Salman said Pakistan will continue relying on its deep pool of all-rounders.
“You’ve seen that we back all-rounders who can contribute with both bat and ball,” he said. “Alhamdulillah, we have players who give us flexibility, and you’ll see a similar combination throughout this series.”
He added the team hopes to give newcomers chances but winning remains the primary objective.
“The Pindi crowd always shows up in big numbers. We’ll try to give opportunities to the new players, but the first priority is winning matches,” he said.
Middle-order concerns and batting roles
Responding to questions about the middle-order, Salman said the group’s contributions have been better than perceived.
“I don’t think the lower order has performed badly. Nawaz, Faheem and Shaheen have all played important innings in the Asia Cup and recent series,” he said. “In the middle order we haven’t put up the numbers we wanted, but we’re hopeful Hassan Nawaz recovers soon. If needed, Samad can take the No. 6 role and finish games for us.”
Momentum from Asia Cup and World Cup preparation
Salman said Pakistan’s white-ball momentum, particularly after the Asia Cup final, provides stability.
“The seniors are back, and we are carrying the momentum from the South Africa and Sri Lanka series,” he said. “The upcoming matches are part of the World Cup preparation, so we want to play consistent cricket rather than experiment unnecessarily.”
On personal form and mindset
Salman acknowledged a dip in his own returns during the Asia Cup but said he has regained rhythm.
“As a batsman, your frame of mind matters a lot,” he said. “I wasn’t in great form during the Asia Cup, but I’ve performed well in recent white-ball series and want to continue that.”
Spin options in T20Is
Salman said he and Saim Ayub remain available as part-time spin options when matchups allow.
“If left-handers are batting, then I’ll bowl or Saim will bowl,” he said. “It’s not easy to use both spinners together in T20 because the game is so fast, but whenever possible, we’ll try to bowl in tandem.”
Pakistan’s all-rounder philosophy under Mike Hesson
Salman said head coach Mike Hesson values versatility and encourages Pakistan to maximize its multi-skill players.
“We have the luxury of genuine all-rounders,” he said. “Nawaz and Faheem are proper bowlers who can bat, and Saim or I can fill the fifth bowler’s role when needed. Every top team in the world uses all-rounders heavily, and we should too. If we have the resources, why not make the most of them?”
Pakistan open their tri-series campaign in Rawalpindi on Tuesday, 18 November.
