Babar Azam
Babar Azam. Pic Credits: Twitter

After his side defeated England in the fourth T20I, Pakistan skipper Babar Azam stated that he is attempting to maintain the middle-order flexibility in order to use it as needed. 

After defeating England by three runs in the fourth T20I match on September 25 in Karachi, the hosts Pakistan tied the seven-match series at 2-2. 

Babar Azam and Olly Stone (Image Credits: Getty Images)
Babar Azam and Olly Stone (Image Credits: Getty Images)

Trying Different Combinations In Different Games: Babar Azam

According to Babar Azam, Pakistan was about 10-15 runs short after having a good start with the bat.

“The way we started with the bat, we were about 10-15 runs short,” Babar Azam said at the post-match presentation. “Bowlers were outstanding for us. We are trying to keep our middle order flexible and use it according to the situation. In different games, we have tried different combinations.” 

Haris Rauf was praised by Babar Azam as well, who referred to him as Pakistan’s “key bowler.” “He is getting even better day by day.” Rauf came back with 3/32, reaching his four-over limit. 

Babar Azam Mohammad Rizwan
Babar Azam Mohammad Rizwan Image Credits: Twitter(PCB)

Pakistan was given the opportunity to bat and amassed a respectable score of 166/4. The combination of the valiant opening duo of Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan was broken in the fourth game when Liam Dawson took Babar out for 36. 

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As the hosts’ innings was anchored by Rizwan (88 off 67), Reece Topley and David Willey restrained Pakistan’s middle order. Rizwan was unable to find help at the other end. 

I Was Just Looking To Execute My Strengths: Haris Rauf

In response, England got off to a terrible start, losing both of its openers, Phil Salt and Alex Hales, very quickly. Harry Brook (34) and Ben Duckett (33) made sure England remained in the game by keeping the scoreboard moving. 

When England needed nine runs from the final two overs, Haris Rauf took the key wicket of Liam Dawson (34). In the end, England lost all wickets for 163 in 19.2 overs.

HAris Rauf. PC- Getty
HAris Rauf. PC- Getty

“Only thing in my mind was that if I get him (Dawson) out, the rest are tailenders, so I knew we had a chance. Pressure will always be there in international cricket, you have to know how to handle it. I was just looking to execute my strengths,” Rauf said. 

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