Pakistan head coach Mike Hesson (proper) talks to batter Babar Azam throughout their coaching session on the Sinhalese Sports activities Membership Floor in Colombo on February 17, 2026. — ICC
Pakistan head coach Mike Hesson has clarified why Babar Azam was demoted within the batting lineup for his or her closing T20 World Cup group recreation in opposition to Namibia.
Babar, who has been batting at No.4 since Pakistan’s three-match dwelling collection in opposition to Australia, couldn’t bat within the high-stakes fixture as teen Khawaja Nafay and all-rounder Shadab Khan have been promoted over him.
Pakistan racked up 199-3 and secured a spot within the Tremendous Eights with a 102-run victory over Namibia within the must-win recreation.
The 2009 champions face New Zealand in Colombo on Saturday within the opening match of the second section.
Chatting with reporters after Pakistan’s closing apply session on Friday was washed out by rain, Hesson insisted that Babar was not suited to bat at No.4 in opposition to Namibia as they have been well-placed at 107/2 in 12.1 overs, with opener Sahibzada Farhan set within the center.
“The other day, we got to the 12th over mark. And at that point, Babar Azam is not the best person to come in; we’ve got plenty of other options who can come in and perform that role towards the end,” Hesson instructed reporters.
“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,” he added.
Pakistan neglected Babar for a similar motive finally yr’s Asia Cup and even after a dismal displaying within the Massive Bash League, he was nonetheless chosen for the T20 World Cup.
“We brought Babar back in for a specific role post the Asia Cup,” mentioned Hesson.
“We’ve got plenty of other options who can come in and perform that role towards the end.
“Babar is definitely the primary to acknowledge that. He is aware of that he is received a sure set of abilities that the crew requires, and there are specific occasions the place different gamers can carry out that position extra effectively,” he added.
Hesson also defended dropping pace spearhead Shaheen Shah Afridi after he conceded 101 runs in three matches, including 31 in two overs against India.
“We made a name that Salman Mirza was coming in for Shaheen, and he bowled extremely effectively,” said Hesson.
“To be honest, he was most likely actually unfortunate to not be taking part in the second and third video games.”
Hesson was wary of Pakistan’s opponents on Saturday.
“New Zealand have performed an enormous quantity within the subcontinent in current occasions so now we have to play at our greatest,” Hesson added.
