Pakistan Test cricketer Ahmed Shehzad has openly questioned the T20 credentials of former captain Babar Azam following another underwhelming outing against India in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup.
The high-voltage contest, played at the R. Premadasa Stadium, once again saw Pakistan’s batting struggle under pressure.
‘Defining Moment’ for Babar’s T20 Career
Taking to social media platform X, Ahmed Shehzad suggested that Babar Azam’s latest dismissal could mark a decisive phase in his T20 career, as criticism continues to mount over his impact in the shortest format.
“Babar is gone once again. Maybe it was his last dance to prove his worth in this format,” Shehzad wrote, igniting fresh debate among fans and analysts.
Inconsistent Returns in the Tournament
Babar Azam has yet to deliver a match-defining innings in the tournament. He scored 15 runs against the Netherlands in Pakistan’s opener and followed it with 46 off 32 balls against the United States but once again failed to capitalize on his start in the crucial match against India.
Overall, in six T20 Internationals against India, Babar has accumulated 110 runs, averaging 22 with a strike rate of 123.59, including only one half-century.
Pakistan Falter in Chase of 176
While chasing 176, Pakistan lost early wickets and slipped to 73-5 in 11 overs at the time of reporting, with Mohammad Nawaz and Shadab Khan attempting to steady the innings.
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Sahibzada Farhan fell for a duck to Hardik Pandya
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Saim Ayub and Salman Ali Agha were dismissed cheaply by Jasprit Bumrah
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Usman Khan top-scored with 44 off 34 balls, striking six fours and one six
Spotlight Intensifies on Pakistan’s T20 Batting Core
With Pakistan once again faltering in a high-pressure match, scrutiny of Babar Azam’s role at the top of the order continues to grow. Former players and observers are increasingly questioning whether Pakistan’s batting approach—and its key personnel—are suited to the evolving demands of modern T20 cricket.
As the tournament progresses, pressure is expected to mount further on Pakistan’s senior batters to deliver when it matters most.
