(Babar Azam X)
Shoaib Malik, the former captain of Pakistan and a seasoned all-rounder, has suggested a strategic change for Babar Azam, the current captain, as they prepare for the ICC T20 World Cup 2024 in the USA and Caribbean, set to commence on June 1. Malik has advised Babar to consider altering his batting position.
Pakistan’s recent T20I series defeat against England has prompted discussions among cricket pundits and players regarding the team’s recent struggles leading up to the T20 World Cup 2024. Although Pakistan managed to secure victory in the three-match T20I series in Ireland after losing the initial match, their tour of England proved challenging. Despite securing two games due to unfavorable weather conditions in the UK, Babar and his team suffered defeats in the remaining T20Is, ultimately losing the four-match series to the hosts.
The struggles in Pakistan’s middle-order escalate concerns leading up to the ICC T20 World Cup 2024.
In the recent T20I series against England, Babar Azam showcased a decent performance, scoring 32 runs at No. 3 in the second game and 36 as an opener in the final T20I, both matches ending in defeat for Pakistan. The longstanding issue with Pakistan’s middle-order has been widely acknowledged, prompting suggestions for Babar to consider dropping himself down the batting order to number three to stabilize the lineup.
Shoaib Malik has now echoed these sentiments, advocating for Babar’s move to number three in the batting order for the upcoming T20 World Cup 2024, particularly in light of Pakistan’s middle-order challenges.
During the fourth T20I, Babar and Mohammad Rizwan provided a strong opening partnership, accumulating 59 runs in just 36 balls. However, once they were dismissed, the middle-order faltered, leading to a collapse as Pakistan lost several wickets rapidly, leaving them struggling at 86/5 after 10.2 overs.
Despite a spirited innings from Usman Khan, who scored a quickfire 38 off 21 balls, Pakistan could only muster 157 runs before being all out without completing their allotted 20 overs against England. Subsequently, England effortlessly chased down the target in under 16 overs, securing a 7-wicket victory to claim the series 2-0 on May 30th.
Shoaib Malik advocates for Babar Azam to take on the No. 3 batting position in the T20 World Cup 2024.
Following Pakistan’s loss, Malik expressed his perspective on social media, proposing that slotting Babar at number three in the batting order could fortify Pakistan’s batting lineup and mitigate their middle-order vulnerabilities. He also expressed optimism for Pakistan’s resurgence.
Shoaib Malik wrote on X: “Tough series! Remember: We’ve been in tough spots before and came out stronger! IMO, Babar should bat at no. 3! We need someone in the middle overs to rotate strike; you are our best option, and with your guidance, our middle order will do a lot better.”
Pakistan’s T20 World Cup 2024 journey commences with a match against co-host USA on June 6 in Texas. The squad includes Babar Azam, Saim Ayub, Mohammad Rizwan, Fakhar Zaman, Azam Khan, Usman Khan, Iftikhar Ahmed, Imad Wasim, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Shadab Khan, Mohammad Amir, Abbas Afridi, Naseem Shah, Haris Rauf, and Abrar Ahmed.
