Pakistan captain Babar Azam expressed frustration with the team’s middle-order following their T20I series defeat against England. In the fourth and final T20I, Pakistan were bowled out for 157 runs despite a strong start. They were 59/1 in the powerplay but collapsed after the top three batsmen, Babar (36 off 22), Mohammad Rizwan (23 off 16), and Usman Khan (38 off 21), laid a solid foundation. The middle-order faltered, with three players scoring ducks, leading to a total of five single-digit scores.
Babar was visibly upset during the post-match presentation, emphasizing the need for the middle-order to perform better ahead of the T20 World Cup 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,” he said.
England comfortably chased the target, reaching 158 in 15.3 overs with 7 wickets in hand. Phil Salt top-scored with 45 off 24, while captain Jos Buttler added 39 off 21. Pakistan’s next match is against the USA on June 6 at the Grand Prairie Stadium in Texas.
