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Babar Azam Out Of 2nd T20I vs South Africa? Rizwan Has 3 Reasons To Drop Star Batter

Debashis Sarangi

Babar Azam with Mohammad Rizwan [Source: @usmanvlogs9/X]Babar Azam with Mohammad Rizwan [Source: @usmanvlogs9/X]

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On Friday, Pakistan will cross swords against South Africa in the second T20I of the ongoing three-match series. Led by Mohammad Rizwan, Pakistan had a heartbreaking start to the series, losing the first match by a narrow eleven-run margin. 

Pakistan's timid batting was a major reason why they lost the first T20I in Durban. While skipper Rizwan looked scratchy for his 62-ball 74, ace batter Babar Azam was dismissed by South Africa's teenage sensation Kwena Maphaka for a duck. 

So, as the Men in Green prepare for the must-win second T20I in Centurion, Babar Azam is once again in the spotlight and aiming to regain his mojo with an impactful knock. However, as mentioned below, there are three reasons why Pakistan should drop the out-of-form batter from their playing XI for the second T20I. 

Why Should Pakistan Drop Babar Azam For 2nd T20I vs South Africa?

Babar Azam's Recent International Form

  • Hailed for his scintillating stroke play, Babar Azam has had a prolonged rough patch in international cricket this year, amassing only 935 runs at a mediocre average of 31.16. 
  • More importantly, Babar has struck only 169 runs at a poor average of 24.14 and a horrible strike rate of 107.64 since the T20 World Cup 2024 in the Caribbean and United States. Thus, as the batter seems out of sorts, it will be beneficial for Pakistan if they bench him for this must-win affair. It will also allow Babar some time off the game so that he can grind in the nets and rediscover himself. 

Babar's Sacking Might Strengthen Pakistan's Overall Lineup

  • Pakistan have gone back to their tried and tested formula, using Babar Azam at the top order with Mohammad Rizwan. However, Babar's promotion from number three to the top order has prevented the likes of Saim Ayub and Usman Khan from batting at their preferred slot, delaying their entry points. 
  • Thus, if Babar is dropped, Saim can get a golden opportunity to showcase his mettle as an opener and capitalise on the field restrictions. The same goes true for Usman, who averages 124.66 and strikes at 164.03 as a number three batter in the Pakistan Super League. Thus, Babar's exclusion might add more fire-power and dynamism to Pakistan's lineup. 

Babar-Rizwan Don't Make A Lethal Opening Pair

  • The timid approach of Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan at the top-order has cost Pakistan on big occasions. That's why it was strange to see Babar's promotion, while they have several more dynamic options to accompany Rizwan at the top. 
  • It's a well-known fact that Rizwan and Babar are similar kinds of anchors and take time to set before shifting gears. However, with Rizwan consistently scoring runs and Babar failing with the bat, Pakistan should prefer Saim over the latter for the second opener's slot.