Following Pakistan’s T20I series defeat to England, captain Babar Azam did not mince his words as he criticized the middle order of the team. Despite getting off to a strong start with the bat, In the ENG vs PAK 4th T20I, Pakistan were bowled out for just 157 runs despite being 59/1 during the powerplay. Pakistan ultimately lost the series 2-0 as a result of ducks scored by Azam Khan, Shadab Khan, and Shaheen Shah Afridi in the last T20I.
In his post-match ceremony, an enraged Babar Azam expressed his hope that the middle order would turn up in the T20 World Cup in 2024.
“First six overs, we played very well. After that, the momentum shifted as wickets fell. Our middle-order needs to step up. You need 2-3 good overs in the middle and in the death as well. England’s bowling was very good. Hopefully, we don’t do this in the World Cup,” Babar Azam said after the match.
With a strong opening partnership between himself and Mohammad Rizwan, Pakistan were doing well, so Babar had every right to be upset. In the last over of the powerplay against Jofra Archer, the captain was the first to fall, edging the ball to third man.
Beginning on June 6, Pakistan will embark on their T20 World Cup 2024 campaign against the co-host nation United States at Grand Prairie Stadium in Texas.