Cricket fans in Pakistan are deeply concerned about the Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan struggles in T20 cricket. Once considered the backbone of Pakistan’s batting lineup, both players have failed to live up to their reputations in recent times. Questions are now being raised not only about their consistency but also about their ability to adapt to the modern T20 game where power-hitting and aggressive strike rates are crucial.
Recent Performances Raise Concerns
In the last T20 matches leading up to international tournaments, both Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan struggled to score big runs. For instance, Babar Azam last played a T20 for Pakistan against South Africa in Centurion on December 13, 2024, but since then, selectors have sidelined him. Similarly, Mohammad Rizwan has also not featured in the last 14 T20 internationals played by Pakistan.
During the three-match ODI series against the West Indies, Babar’s performance was disappointing. He scored only 47, 0, and 9 runs, failing to register a single half-century. On the other hand, Rizwan managed 69 runs in total, with a solitary half-century of 53 in the first match but followed it with scores of 16 and 0. These failures highlight the Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan struggles in T20 cricket and beyond.
PSL 2024 Statistics: Mixed Signals
The Pakistan Super League (PSL) has always been a testing ground for players ahead of international fixtures. Babar Azam, leading Peshawar Zalmi, scored 288 runs in 10 innings. While he had some standout innings such as 56 not out, 53 not out, and 94, his overall strike rate of 128.57 raised eyebrows. For a modern-day T20 opener, this strike rate falls below the aggressive standards set by international players like Jos Buttler and David Warner, who consistently maintain strike rates above 140.
For Rizwan, his PSL 2024 campaign was not as remarkable as expected. Known for anchoring innings, Rizwan faced criticism for not accelerating in crucial moments. His inability to rotate strike quickly and convert starts into match-winning scores added to the Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan struggles in T20 cricket.
Why Strike Rate Matters in Modern T20
In the current era, T20 cricket is less about survival and more about explosive scoring. Teams expect openers to give them fast starts, ensuring 50–60 runs in the powerplay overs. While both Babar and Rizwan are technically solid and dependable, their strike rates often fall short of the modern T20 requirements.
- Babar Azam Strike Rate in PSL 2024: 128.57
- Global Average for Top Openers: 140+
- Mohammad Rizwan Recent Average in ODIs: 23
These numbers clearly reflect why selectors have been reluctant to include them in Pakistan’s T20 squad over the last 14 matches.
Selectors’ Decision to Drop Them
Pakistan’s cricket selectors have taken a bold stance by excluding the duo from recent series against Bangladesh, New Zealand, and the West Indies. The idea behind this move seems to be building a more aggressive batting lineup that can compete against top teams in major tournaments. While Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan struggles in T20 cricket are concerning, the selectors want to give opportunities to new talent with fearless intent.
Impact on Pakistan’s Batting Strategy
The absence of these two stalwarts has forced Pakistan to experiment with younger players who are more aggressive from the start. While the results have been mixed, the strategy shows a shift in mindset. Pakistan is now focusing on strike rates and quick scoring rather than depending on anchor players who bat deep into the innings.
However, the Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan struggles in T20 cricket remain a major talking point among fans and analysts. Many argue that their experience and class cannot be overlooked, especially in high-pressure matches like World Cups.
Can They Make a Comeback?
Both Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan are proven match-winners with exceptional records in international cricket. Babar has already scored over 3,000 runs in T20 internationals, while Rizwan was once ranked the number one T20 batter in ICC rankings. Their recent slump might just be a phase rather than a permanent decline.
If they work on improving their strike rates and adapt to the modern T20 approach, a comeback is highly possible. With the T20 World Cup approaching, Pakistan might still rely on their experience and ability to stabilize innings when quick wickets fall.
The Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan struggles in T20 cricket highlight the changing demands of the shortest format. While their class and technique are undeniable, the modern game requires quick scoring and adaptability. Selectors’ decision to drop them shows a focus on aggressive cricket, but the big question remains: Can Pakistan afford to leave out two of its most experienced batters in crucial tournaments?
Fans and experts will closely watch their performances in upcoming domestic leagues and hope that both players rediscover their form. Because if Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan overcome their struggles in T20 cricket, Pakistan’s batting lineup could once again become one of the most feared in the world.
