In a definitive move that reshapes Pakistan‘s top-order strategy just days before the T20 World Cup 2026, captain Salman Ali Agha has officially confirmed a permanent shift in the team’s batting order.
Pakistan’s captain Salman Ali Agha unveils who will bat at 3 in T20 World Cup 2026
Following a tactical success during the series opener against Australia on January 29, Salman has disclosed that he will permanently occupy the No. 3 position, signaling a major departure from the team’s traditional reliance on Babar Azam at that crucial one-down spot. Salman Agha’s decision to move up the order is a proactive measure designed to ‘fire with fire’ against the spin-heavy middle overs expected in Sri Lanka. Traditionally a middle-order finisher, the captain believes his aggressive style is better suited to dominating spinners during the back end of the Powerplay. Addressing the media on January 30, he solidified his new role:
“Yes, I’ll be batting at No. 3 in the future. We expect to face a lot of spin, and I believe I can dominate spin during the Powerplay. That’s why I moved up, and that is where I’ll stay.” Salman Agha said.
In the 1st T20I in Lahore against Australia, Salman immediately validated this shift by walking in at the fall of the second ball and smashing 39 off 27 deliveries, including four massive sixes. His strike rate at No. 3 has historically been phenomenal, often exceeding 160, compared to his career strike rate of roughly 118 lower down the order.
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The mid-innings stabilizer for Pakistan ahead of T20 World Cup 2026
The captain’s promotion has forced a significant reshuffle for former skipper Babar, who has officially been moved to No. 4. In the series opener against Australia, Babar managed a steady 24 off 20 balls, taking on a role focused on rotation and stabilization while the Powerplay aggressors took the early risks. This new configuration allows Pakistan to field an explosive opening pair of Saim Ayub and Sahibzada Farhan, with Fakhar Zaman providing additional firepower at No. 5.
In the game, Pakistan successfully defended a total of 168/8 at Gaddafi Stadium, leveraging an “outstanding” spin attack to secure a 22-run victory. The win was historic, marking Pakistan’s first T20I victory over Australia in 2,650 days. Saim Ayub was the star of the show, earning Player of the Match honors for his blistering 40 off 22 balls followed by two crucial wickets with the ball.
Pakistan’s potential top order for the T20 World Cup 2026
- No. 1 & 2: Saim Ayub & Sahibzada Farhan (Openers)
- No. 3: Salman Ali Agha (Captain & Spin Aggressor)
- No. 4: Babar Azam (Anchor/Stabilizer)
- No. 5: Fakhar Zaman (Aggressive Finisher)
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