Pakistan started their T20 World Cup 2026 campaign with a modest three-wicket win over Netherlands in Colombo, but the win failed to hide a bigger concern. Babar Azam once again struggled to make an impact, raising new questions about his form on the biggest stage.
Pakistan started T20 World Cup 2026 with a win, but Babar Azam remains a matter of concern
Chasing a modest target of 148, the Men in Blue were expected to sail through easily, but Babar’s slow innings piled up the pressure against the Netherlands. The senior batsman could score only 15 runs in 18 balls and looked out of rhythm while at the crease.
The former Pakistan captain was eventually out while attempting a big shot against Roelof van der Merwe, leaving Pakistan in a difficult position in the chase. However, the Men in Green chased down the target with three wickets in hand in the final over.
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Saim Ayub and Salman Ali Aga bring out the aggression
On the other hand, everyone was impressed by the determination shown by young opener Saim Ayub and captain Salman Ali Aga. Sam played fearless cricket and scored 24 runs off just 14 balls, however, number 3 batsman Agha was out after scoring just 12 runs off 8 balls.
His aggressive approach increased the scoring rate but also took risks, making stability in the middle order even more important in the ongoing T20 World Cup 2026 in India and Sri Lanka. Imad Wasim believes that this is where Babar’s role becomes important for Pakistan.
Imad Wasim hails Babar’s role on slow Colombo pitches
The former Pakistan all-rounder revealed that scoring is not easy; On slow pitches like Colombo, totals around 140 to 150 are often competitive. In such circumstances, Imad believes that Pakistan can rely on Babar to hold one end, withstand pressure and chase the target calmly when early wickets fall.
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Imad Wasim said in the Dug Out Show, “I think Babar can control the game, because Saim and Agha are playing high-risk cricket, and if early wickets fall, Babar can control the game. In Colombo and Sri Lanka, I don’t think there will be too many runs, unless it is a night game or a pair. So, 140-150 runs were fine. I think Babar is an ideal player to chase. Today he failed, but usually he is an ideal player to chase 145-150.”
Even Imad Wasim is understandingpic.twitter.com/yBiyAftue9
– Hassan Abbasian (@HassanAbbasian) 8 February 2026
His failure in the opening match of the T20 World Cup 2026 has put Babar under pressure, and he needs to regain his form quickly, as Pakistan have some tough matches ahead, especially against India.
Although Babar showed intent by scoring an unbeaten 50 off 36 balls against Australia in the final T20I of the home series, his BBL 2025-26 figures were disappointing. Babar scored 202 runs for Sydney Sixers in 11 innings at a strike rate of just 103.06 and an average of 22.44.
Hitting sixes is not Babar’s strength: Mohammad Kaif
Meanwhile, former India batsman Mohammad Kaif bluntly said that hitting big sixes is not Babar’s natural game and trying to play like this often gets him into trouble and that is what happened against the Netherlands.
Kaif said on-air in Hindi commentary, “Hitting sixes is not his strength. You said he would hit sixes. Yes, he tried, but look what happened – he got out. His style is not to hit sixes; it is to take singles and doubles and try to win matches that way.”