PAK vs NZ: Babar Azam To Be Benched In NZ T20Is? Mohammad Hafeez Reveals

Ace Pakistan batsman Babar Azam‘s woes with the bat continued on the Australian tour as the latter was just able to score 126 runs from three Test matches. Babar has not been in good touch with the bat from the last few months and has only scored runs against low-ranked teams. Babar also had a lean patch in the 2023 ODI World Cup after which he also resigned from the captaincy of all the three formats.

Pakistan lost the third Test match against Australia by eight wickets and also faced a whitewash by 3-0. Now, the Pakistani team are all set to tour New Zealand for a five-match T20I series under Shaheen Shah Afridi. However, with the form Babar Azam is in, there are also speculations that the right-handed batsman might have to sit out from the T20I series against the Kiwis.

Mohammad Hafeez clears down the air behind Babar Azam’s presence in New Zealand T20Is

While addressing the press conference after the AUS vs PAK Test series, Pakistan cricket team director Mohammad Hafeez threw light on these questions. Hafeez stated that Babar Azam can be rested from the series but we shall also think about what Babar himself wants. Hafeez further stated that Babar can also talk about improving his technique.

Mohammad Hafeez said, “Babar Azam can be rested. Before giving rest to Babar, one has to think about what Babar himself wants. Not necessarily to rest, [he] can talk about improving any technique.”

Further speaking in the press interaction, Mohammad Hafeez added that one big innings will restore Babar Azam’s confidence. Mohammad Hafeez said, “A big innings will restore his confidence. Red ball cricket brings sophistication to the game. A red ball cricketer can play all formats.”

Babar Azam only scored 320 runs from nine matches in the 2023 ODI World Cup at an average of 40.00. His highest score was 74 runs and his underperformance with the bat was the major reason behind Pakistan’s fallout at the big ICC event.

Babar Azam was also not able to score big during the 2023 Asia Cup and disappointed the team with his performance. Pakistan were not able to cross the Super 4s stage of the tournament and faced tough losses from India and Sri Lanka.

Now, when Pakistan take on New Zealand in a five-match T20I series, they will aim to regain their lost touch in international cricket. The Kiwis will be a tough challenge for the Pakistani team as they have been below average in almost every department.

Pakistan’s catching has always been a matter of concern for them in international cricket due to which they have also been able to deal with a lot of consequences. The Pakistani team dropped a lot of catches in the slips during the Test series against Australia and gave a lot of chances to their players.

The bowling was also a lost aspect for Pakistan in international cricket over the last few months and the pace battery which was their strength has become their weakness. Shaheen Shah Afridi, who was the team’s lead bowler is not bowling at his best and will now also have an extra pressure of leading the side in New Zealand.