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RAWALPINDI: Pakistan white-ball head coach Mike Hesson has revealed the batting position of Babar Azam in the forthcoming three-match T20I series against South Africa.
Babar has returned to the limited-overs side, having last played against South Africa in 2024.
Speaking ahead of the first T20I, Hesson reflected on the team’s combination and shared his thoughts on Babar Azam’s inclusion.
“I certainly endorse his selection, and he is likely to bat at the number three, and I am hoping that he will do well,” Hesson revealed.
The head coach also revealed the reasons behind the exclusion of Mohammad Haris and Fakhar Zaman from the T20I squad.
“Fakhar has been rested so that he returns fresh for the ODIs.” “We gave Mohammad Haris several opportunities, but he couldn’t make the most of them. He is a young player and needs to improve his batting in domestic cricket,” Hesson remarked.
“Usman Khan plays spin well, which will be an advantage in Sri Lanka,” he added.
Hesson further praised South Africa as a formidable opponent and highlighted the squad’s preparedness for the upcoming challenges.
Hesson further hailed South Africa as a challenging opponent and highlighted the squad’s preparedness for the upcoming challenges.
“South Africa are a dangerous side.” “The team that lost to Namibia was a different one.” “We already have 15 players in mind for the World Cup, with competition for one or two spots,” he concluded.
For the unversed, the T20I series will begin on October 28 at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium, followed by the remaining two matches held on October 31 and November 2 at the Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore.
T20I squad: Donovan Ferreira (c), Corbin Bosch, Dewald Brevis, Nandre Burger, Quinton de Kock, Reeza Hendricks, George Linde, Kwena Maphaka, Lungi Ngidi, Matthew Breetzke, Nqaba Peter, Lhuan-dre Pretorius, Tony de Zorzi, Andile Simelane, Lizaad Williams.
Salman Ali Agha (captain), Abdul Samad, Abrar Ahmed, Babar Azam, Faheem Ashraf, Hasan Nawaz, Mohammad Nawaz, Mohammad Wasim Jnr, Mohammad Salman Mirza, Naseem Shah, Sahibzada Farhan, Saim Ayub, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Usman Khan (wicket-keeper), Usman Tariq
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