Pakistan’s star batter Babar Azam has come under renewed scrutiny during the 2026 ICC Men’s T20 World Cup, with fresh debates around his strike rate and overall batting intent in the shortest format.
Statistics show that among players with at least 500 runs in T20 World Cup history, Babar owns the lowest strike rate at 111.81, a figure equal to former Pakistan captain Mohammad Hafeez. The numbers have added pressure on the experienced opener to deliver more aggressively on the big stage.
Mixed Signals from Practice and Match Performances
During a recent practice session, Babar looked far more fluent and attacking. He played a short ball from Naseem Shah over midwicket with confidence, showing his ability to dominate pace when he commits to his shots.
He also impressed with a powerful upper cut against a short delivery outside off stump, indicating that his range of strokes remains intact. Against spin, Babar used his feet effectively to counter both Shadab Khan and Abrar Ahmed, playing attacking strokes that suggested a proactive mindset.
However, one mistimed shot off a leg-cutter from Naseem led to visible frustration, highlighting the fine margins between intent and execution in T20 cricket.
Cautious Approach During Matches
While the net session displayed aggression and confidence, that same freedom has not translated into match situations. In games, Babar has appeared more cautious, often choosing to play the same deliveries with restraint rather than attacking intent.
This contrast has fueled discussions among fans and analysts, who question whether the pressure of the tournament is influencing his decision-making at the crease.
Numbers That Raise Concerns
Playing his fourth T20 World Cup, Babar’s overall strike rate of 111.81 is significantly lower than what is expected from a modern T20 opener. In an era where top batters frequently strike above 130 or even 140, such numbers inevitably attract criticism.
Despite his consistency and ability to anchor innings, the format increasingly demands faster scoring, especially during powerplays and middle overs. Critics argue that while stability is valuable, a slow tempo can put pressure on the rest of the batting lineup.
Backing from Team Management
Pakistan captain Salman Ali Agha and head coach Mike Hesson have both shown confidence in Babar’s experience and temperament. Their support indicates that the team still sees him as a key pillar of the batting unit.
However, backing from leadership also raises expectations. With experience and trust comes the responsibility to adapt his approach to modern T20 demands.
The Bigger Picture: Experience vs Modern T20 Demands
Babar Azam remains one of Pakistan’s most accomplished batters, known for his technique, composure, and ability to build innings. Yet, T20 cricket has evolved rapidly, prioritizing aggressive scoring and high strike rates.
The ongoing World Cup has become a defining phase for Babar. If he can successfully balance his natural anchoring role with controlled aggression, he could silence critics and reaffirm his value to the team. Otherwise, the debate around his strike rate and impact in T20 World Cups is likely to intensify further.
For now, all eyes remain on whether Babar can convert his promising net-session intent into match-winning performances on cricket’s biggest T20 stage.