Jaffer slams Pakistan over Abrar omission

By Aftab Ahmed • February 25, 2026

Wasim Jaffer said Pakistan made a costly tactical error by dropping Abrar Ahmed as Harry Brook’s 50-ball century powered England into the T20 World Cup semi-finals.

Former India batter Wasim Jaffer criticized Pakistan’s decision to leave out spinner Abrar Ahmed in their T20 World Cup Super Eight clash against England, calling it a surprising and costly tactical mistake after England sealed a two-wicket win.

Harry Brook smashed a blistering 100 off 50 balls to guide England into the semi-finals in a tense finish on Tuesday. His innings marked the second-fastest century in T20 World Cup history and the first ever by a team captain in the tournament.

Taking to X, Jaffer praised Brook’s knock, writing that a “50-ball 100 to take your team into the semi-finals single-handedly” was what dreams are made of. He added that India benching Axar Patel against South Africa and Pakistan dropping Abrar for the England match were “really surprising and costly tactical mistakes.”

Pakistan had opted to reshuffle their bowling attack despite Abrar’s reputation as a wicket-taking leg-spinner in middle overs. On surfaces offering grip and turn, teams have often relied on spinners to control England’s aggressive batting order. Analysts noted that the omission may have weakened Pakistan’s options during the crucial middle phase.

England’s chase began dramatically as Shaheen Shah Afridi dismissed Phil Salt off the first ball of the innings. Afridi then removed Jos Buttler and Jacob Bethell, reducing England to 35-3 during the powerplay and putting Pakistan firmly in control.

Promoted to number three after discussions with head coach Brendon McCullum, Brook walked in under pressure and steadied the innings. He stitched together a 45-run stand with Sam Curran for the fifth wicket and added 52 runs with Will Jacks for the sixth, rebuilding England’s chase.

Afridi, who finished with key breakthroughs, acknowledged Brook’s brilliance after the match. He described the innings as “world-class” and said it could be the best knock of Brook’s career. Afridi admitted the pitch was not easy for batting but said Brook took the game away from Pakistan.

Brook accelerated sharply in the final phase, striking a six and a four off Afridi to move from 90 to 100 in two balls. He raised his bat after reaching the landmark, anchoring England’s successful pursuit and silencing Pakistan’s bowling attack.

Only Chris Gayle’s 47-ball century against England in the 2016 T20 World Cup remains faster in tournament history. Brook’s hundred underlined England’s aggressive approach under McCullum’s leadership, emphasizing fearless strokeplay even under knockout pressure.

Pakistan’s campaign once again drew scrutiny over team combinations and tactical decisions in high-stakes matches. The exclusion of Abrar Ahmed may fuel debate as selectors reassess strategies ahead of future ICC tournaments.

England now advance to the semi-finals with renewed momentum, while Pakistan exit facing questions over selection calls and execution in decisive moments.