Pakistan opener Sahibzada Farhan has downplayed the challenge of facing England fast bowler Jofra Archer in their ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 Super Eights fixture at the Pallekele International Cricket Stadium.
England enter the contest with momentum after a commanding 51-run victory over Sri Lanka at the same venue on Sunday. Jofra Archer played a key role in that win, delivering a fiery spell while defending 147 and dismissing openers Pathum Nissanka and Kamil Mishara early to put Sri Lanka under pressure.
Pakistan, meanwhile, have just one point in their Super Eights group after their opening fixture against New Zealand in Colombo was washed out due to persistent rain.
Speaking at a pre-match press conference in Kandy, Farhan, who has scored 220 runs in four innings at an average of 73.33, said Pakistan is not intimidated by Archer’s pace.
He noted that Pakistani batters regularly face bowlers who clock above 140 kph and added that both teams have prepared thoroughly for the encounter.
“Not a big deal facing Jofra Archer, we play against similar bowlers in Pakistan who can clock in at around 145 kph,” Farhan told reporters. “So, it’s not a big deal, but as you said, he must have planned against me; I also have plans against him,” he added.
Farhan said confidence within the Pakistan camp remains strong despite the circumstances. He added that decisions such as whether to bat or bowl first rest with the captain and coaching staff.
Playing in Kandy for the first time, Farhan said he sought guidance from senior players, including Babar Azam. According to him, the feedback suggested that the ball generally comes onto the bat nicely at this venue and that the surface is considered batting friendly.
However, he acknowledged that conditions during the recent England-Sri Lanka match appeared different, with the ball gripping and the pitch showing some variation. He said the team would assess conditions again before the match.
Farhan also addressed Pakistan’s recent batting struggles, admitting that the top order must take greater responsibility. He said the team needs to bat deeper into the innings and is working on improvements.
Pakistan also faces an unfavorable record against England in T20 World Cups, having never defeated them in the tournament. Despite that, Farhan expressed confidence in Pakistan’s spin attack, citing England’s struggles against Sri Lanka’s spinners.
“Sri Lanka have one or two spinners but we have five in all so we will give England a tough time on a pitch that looks good and will grip,” he added.
The match is crucial as Pakistan need a win to keep their semifinal qualification hopes alive. A defeat would significantly damage their chances, leaving them needing to beat co-host Sri Lanka and rely on other Group 2 results to go in their favor.
