What Happened
Pakistan’s star batter Babar Azam struggled once again in the Super Eights stage of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026, scoring only 25 runs off 24 balls against England. His dismissal came after a poor shot, leading to Pakistan’s defeat by two wickets, which allowed England to qualify for the semi-finals. The match ended with England successfully chasing down Pakistan’s total of 164/9 with five balls to spare.
Why It Matters
Babar Azam’s performance has been a significant concern for Pakistan throughout the tournament. With a total of 91 runs in five innings, his average stands at approximately 22.75, raising questions about his ability to adapt to the fast-paced nature of T20 cricket. Criticism has intensified, with former players and fans expressing their disappointment on social media, dubbing him the “biggest weak link” in the team.
What’s Next
Pakistan will continue to rely on their batting lineup as they prepare for upcoming matches in the tournament. Coach Mike Hesson has acknowledged Babar’s struggles, emphasizing the need for improvement in his strike rate during the powerplay. The team hopes to regroup and perform better in their next fixtures, as they face the challenge of competing in Sri Lanka, having opted not to play in India, the primary host of the World Cup.