Babar Azam Confident Of Pakistan Bouncing Back After A Recent Slump In Form In T20I Cricket

Babar Azam, Pakistan white-ball captain, had put his sides’ dwindling fortunes in Twenty20 International cricket to experimentation with their combinations and hopes that the experience within the group will put them in good stead for the T20 World Cup.

Pakistan was the No.1 ranked T20I team for a period of 27 months. Between the end of the 2016 T20 World Cup to the start of 2019, the Men in Green had won 29 off their 33 fixtures but a dip in form last year which saw them lose eight of their 12 T20s saw them slip down to the 4th spot.

But Babar isn’t too flustered about the dip in form as he feels that the team has identified an ideal combination for the T20 World Cup, should it go ahead later this year.

“Yes, we did lose a few matches and our ranking has unfortunately gone down. What happened is that we did some experimentation and tried out several players. We are now sure about the combination, which includes both youth and experience. I’m confident that we will do well in the T20 series against England and improve our ranking,” Babar Azam told the press ahead of the England series.

“And if the World Cup is held according to schedule, I’m confident that our team will do well in it.” he added.

Also Read: Babar Azam Aims For A Double Or Triple-Hundred In The Upcoming Tests In England

‘I hope that the T20 World Cup is held according to schedule’- Babar Azam

Babar Azam took over the reins of the Pakistan T20I side from Sarfaraz Ahmed following the then No.1 ranked sides’ humiliating 0-3 whitewash at the hands of a second-string Sri Lankan side on home soil last year.

Under Babar’s leadership, Pakistan have won two and lost two while one game against Australia was abandoned due to rain. The No.1 ranked T20I batsman in the world is really hoping that the World Cup takes place later this year.

“As a professional cricketer, I hope that the T20 World Cup is held according to schedule. As Pakistan’s captain I would really want that the World Cup is not delayed as it will be my first World Cup as skipper. But it’s up to the authorities to decide.” he added.

Babar is looking forward to learning from the rich vein of experience that he has in his coaching staff which includes head coach Misbah Ul Haq, bowling coach Waqar Younis, batting, and spin-bowling consultant Younis Khan and Mushtaq Ahmed respectively.

“I and other players will benefit immensely from their presence. They are four of our greatest legends. They have loads of experience. It’s our duty to learn from them and I’m sure all of us will do that … I’m keen to learn the art of captaincy from them.” Babar Azam added.

Also Read: Babar Azam Was Better Than Virat Kohli Initially, Claims Inzamam-ul-Haq