Pakistan has relegated Babar Azam down the batters order at the ICC Men T20 world cup 2026 and head coach Mike Hesson has given the rationale. This ruling was made following the last group match of Pakistan against Namibia.
Hesson indicated that Babar has less than 100 strike rate in the first six overs. This, as per the coach, does not auger well with the position that Pakistan requires at the top of the order. Hesson is well ready on his powerplay strike rate, and said to Babar, Babar is well aware of his powerplay strike rate. That is certainly not the part we believe we are supposed to play.
The coach made it very clear that Babar was recalled with a definite middle-order role following the Asia cup. He said that other players were able to intervene in case of necessity. Babar himself realizes that there are certain circumstances when the teammates would be able to fulfill some tasks more effectively.
Another youngster that Hesson pointed out was the performance of young pacer Salman Mirza who has of late played well in high tension matches. The coach explained that Mirza was unlucky to miss previous games but provided well when having a chance. This demonstrates the profundity of Pakistan both in the bowling and batting.
In prospect to the match with New Zealand, Hesson admitted the task. He said that New Zealand have contributed a lot to the subcontinent in the recent past so we have to play our best. To have an advantage in the Super Eight stage, Pakistan will require good performances of all players, experience and new talent.
