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COLOMBO: Pakistan head coach Mike Hesson has revealed reason behind Babar Azam’s demotion in the batting order during the Namibia clash in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026.
Speaking to the media ahead of New Zealand fixture, Hesson cited Babar Azam’s strike rate in the first six overs, stating that the batter is aware of his strike rate in the World Cup.
“I think Babar is well aware that his strike rate in the power play in the World Cup is less than 100 and that’s clearly not the role we think we need,” Hesson told reporters after Pakistan’s final practice session on Friday was washed out by rain.
“We brought Babar back in for a specific role post the Asia Cup,” he added.
The head coach also said that there are several other options available to step in and fulfill that role, and Babar himself recognizes this.
“We’ve got plenty of other options who can come in and perform that role towards the end. Babar is actually the first to acknowledge that, ” he continued.
“He knows that he’s got a certain set of skills that the team requires and there are certain times where other players can perform that role more efficiently,” the 51-year-old said.
Mike Hesson also emphasizes Pacer Salman Mirza’s recent performance, calling him unlucky to miss out on the high-stakes India-Pakistan fixture.
“We made a call that Salman Mirza was coming in for Shaheen, and he bowled incredibly well,” he said.
“To be fair, he was probably really unlucky to not be playing the second and third games.”
He concluded by acknowledging that New Zealand is well aware of the conditions and they must do their best to emerge victorious.
“New Zealand have played a huge amount in the subcontinent in recent times so we have to play at our best.”
READ: England Lions outplay Pakistan Shaheens in series opener
