Atiq-uz-Zaman: “Faheem Ashraf’s bowling improved. His batting was decent, but his bowling wasn’t up to the part. He’s doing a good job as well”
Image taken by: Bimal Mirwani
Former Pakistan wicketkeeper-batsman Atiq-uz-Zaman has conceded that all-rounder Faheem Ashraf’s bowling wasn’t good enough before, but praised him for putting in the hard work to improve it.
Atiq acknowledged that Faheem has developed into a reliable bowling option for T20I captain Salman Ali Agha, who now turns to him when needed.
Beyond his bowling progress, Faheem has also proven his worth as a power-hitter lower down the order. His aggressive knock of 29 not out off just 11 balls in Pakistan’s 2026 T20 World Cup opener against the Netherlands, which included two boundaries and three sixes, showcased his finishing skills and guided the team to victory in a tense run chase.
“Faheem Ashraf’s bowling improved. His batting was decent, but his bowling wasn’t up to the part. He’s doing a good job as well,” Atiq told PakPassion.
So far in the 2026 T20 World Cup, Faheem has only bowled two overs. He has also made 40 runs in five matches at an average of 20 and a strike-rate of 148.14.
After beating the Netherlands, United States of America and Namibia in the group stage, Pakistan progressed to the Super Eights. Their only loss came against arch-rivals India.
The men in green haven’t had the best time in the Super Eights as their match against New Zealand was washed out, while they also lost to England.
Pakistan now face a must-win situation when they go up against Sri Lanka on February 28 in Pallekele.
Pakistan Squad for 2026 T20 World Cup: Salman Ali Agha (captain), Abrar Ahmed, Babar Azam, Faheem Ashraf, Fakhar Zaman, Khawaja Nafay (wicketkeeper), Mohammad Nawaz, Salman Mirza, Naseem Shah, Sahibzada Farhan (wicketkeeper), Saim Ayub, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Shadab Khan, Usman Khan (wicketkeeper), Usman Tariq