India, Feb. 28 -- Pakistan have made the kind of selection call that can define a tournament campaign. In a crucial Super 8 clash against Sri Lanka, captain Salman Ali Agha confirmed three changes, but the headline was the omission of Babar Azam and Saim Ayub from the playing XI. Khawaja Nafay, Naseem Shah and Abrar Ahmed came in, underlining that Pakistan are chasing more than just a result here - they are chasing a reset in a must-win situation.

Agha's toss comments captured the mood. Pakistan know they need a near-perfect game to stay alive in the semi-final race, and the selection reflects that urgency. This is not a conservative XI picked to absorb pressure. It is a side chosen to attack the game.

Dropping Babar Azam is the biggest...