Pakistan head coach Mike Hesson has explained why Babar Azam was moved down the batting order and did not get a chance to bat in the team’s final T20 World Cup group match against the Namibia national cricket team.
Babar, who has been batting at number four since Pakistan’s home series against the Australian national cricket team, was overlooked in the must-win game as youngster Khawaja Nafay and all-rounder Shadab Khan were promoted ahead of him.
Pakistan posted 199-3 in the match and secured a place in the Super Eights with a convincing 102-run win. The 2009 champions will now face the New Zealand national cricket team in Colombo on Saturday in their first match of the second round.
Speaking to reporters after Pakistan’s final practice session was washed out by rain, Hesson said the team situation did not suit Babar’s role. At 107/2 in 12.1 overs, with opener Sahibzada Farhan well set, the team needed players who could accelerate quickly at the end.
Hesson said that at that stage of the innings, Babar was not the best option to come in, as Pakistan had other players better suited to finishing strongly. He also noted that Babar’s strike rate in the powerplay during the tournament has been below 100, which does not fit the aggressive role the team requires at certain points.
Hesson added that Babar understands his strengths and the specific role assigned to him after last year’s Asia Cup. Despite criticism over his performances, including in the Big Bash League, he was still selected for the ICC T20 World Cup for a defined purpose within the team.
The coach also defended the decision to drop pace bowler Shaheen Shah Afridi, who conceded 101 runs in three matches, including 31 runs in two overs against India. Hesson said the team chose to bring in Salman Mirza instead, praising his performance and suggesting he was unlucky not to have played earlier games.
Looking ahead to the match against New Zealand, Hesson said Pakistan must be at their best, noting that their opponents have considerable experience playing in subcontinent conditions.
