Pakistan head coach Mike Hesson defended the decision to change the batting order after Babar Azam was not sent in to bat in the do-or-diet group stage match, saying the former captain’s strike rate did not match the role the team currently required.
Babar, the highest run-scorer in T20 international history with 4,571 runs, was part of the playing XI but did not get a chance to bat in the must-win clash against Namibia. Powered by Sahibzada Farhan’s century, Pakistan posted 199 for 3 a secured a 102-run win to qualify for the Super Eights.
“I think Babar is well aware that his batting numbers in the power game at the World Cup are less than 100 and that’s obviously not a role we think we need,” Hesson told reporters after Pakistan’s final session was washed away by rain.
Explaining the tactical call against Namibia, Hesson said timing and match situation were key factors. “One day we got to No.12 and at that point Babar Azam is not the best person to come in. We have a lot of other options who can come in and fill that (closing) role all the way through. And Babar is actually the first one to recognize that, you know he has a certain skill set that the team requires and there are certain situations where other players can play against Pakistan’s Eight more effectively. New Zealand in Colombo.
Hesson insisted that Babar still had a clearly defined role in the party. “That’s what the team requires and Babar is well aware of that. He’s well aware that his PowerPlay strike rate in the World Cups is less than 100, so it’s clearly not a role we need. We think he’s a good player in the middle. If we’re in a bit of trouble or, as we saw against USA, once he sets up, we can increase the number of strikes in Babar’s particular role in Asia. batting skill center, and that’s definitely what he brings to us,” Hesson said.
Babar was not the only senior player missing against Namibia. Pace boss Shaheen Shah Afridi was also dropped after conceding 101 runs in three matches, including 31 in two overs against India.
Elaborating on the decision, Hesson said: “We picked the best team to play that particular game and we made the call that Salman Mirza would come on for Shaheen. He bowled incredibly well. He was probably really unlucky not to play the second and third matches. His record since he started playing for Pakistan is exceptional. And the conditions dictated that we only play two paces and often not even going over their full quota.
Reiterating that Babar’s role is clear, Hesson added: “We brought Babar back for a specific role after the Asia Cup. We have a lot of other options who can come in and play that role all the way through. Babar is actually the first to recognize that. He knows he has a certain skill set that the team requires and there are certain times when other players can fill that role more effectively.”
Hesson also highlighted the challenge ahead for Pakistan in the next phase.
“New Zealand have played a lot in the subcontinent recently, so we have to play at our best.”
Pakistan, the 2009 champions, will next face New Zealand on February 21 in Colombo in their first Super 8s match of the ongoing ICC T20 World Cup.
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Issued by:
Saurabh Kumar
Published on:
February 20, 2026