Nawaz out; Will Babar be dropped again? Bold T20I selection calls that PAK might take after SA series

Hasan Nawaz and Babar Azam [Source: AFP]

Pakistan put up an excellent team effort in the recently concluded T20I series against South Africa. Under Agha Salman's leadership, the Men in Green bounced back remarkably after a shaky start, eventually bagging the three-match series by 2-1. 

While several Pakistan players showcased why they belong to the highest level, some underperformers dug their own graves by letting the team down. As the T20I series has concluded, here are the major team selection decisions Pakistan might make for their next assignment in the format. 

Will Pakistan drop Babar Azam from T20Is again?

(Babar and Saim's numbers in PAK vs SA T20Is)

• Saim Ayub jeopardised his T20I career after failing miserably in the Asia Cup. Ayub, who managed just 37 runs in seven Asia Cup matches, needed to prove his mettle against South Africa to save his place in the side. Similarly, Babar Azam made his T20I comeback after a long hiatus. The stylish batter was also under pressure to deliver, with critics questioning his return to T20Is due to a questionable strike rate. 
• However, these two players silenced their doubters in style, scoring crucial runs under tricky circumstances for Pakistan. Saim was Pakistan's match-winner in the second T20I, while Babar ensured the hosts pip South Africa by 2-1 in the series with a flamboyant fifty in the final. 
• Although Babar managed just 11 runs in 20 deliveries in the first two matches, his 47-ball 68 not only helped Pakistan win the series but also presented a strong case for his inclusion in Pakistan's T20I squad for the upcoming tournaments. 
• So, as things stand, both Babar and Saim's place in Pakistan's T20I squad is safe now. The top-order batters will likely get a long rope in the shortest format, which means Fakhar Zaman might have to wait for his chances, with Sahibzada Farhan playing as the second opener. 

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Salman Mirza to be preferred over Naseem Shah?

(Salman Mirza outclassed Naseem Shah in PAK vs SA T20Is)

• Naseem Shah made a T20I comeback after missing out on the Asia Cup and initially spearheaded Pakistan's bowling attack with Shaheen Afridi. However, Salman Mirza, who entered the Pakistani XI for the second T20I in Shaheen's absence, completely outclassed him and even went on to play the decider at Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore. 
• It's worth mentioning that Pakistan actually used their pacers on a rotational basis. However, the third T20I proved that the Men in Green can field both Shaheen and Salman Mirza, two left-arm pacers, together, if needed. So, given the fact that Salman outshone Naseem against South Africa, Pakistan might now decide to place the former higher in the pecking order over the latter in T20Is.  

Hasan Nawaz's T20I exclusion likely

(Hasan Nawaz's record in last 10 T20Is)

• Swashbuckling batter Hasan Nawaz had another horrible series, as he managed only eight runs across two outings against South Africa. 
• The right-handed batter is in horrendous form in T20Is of late. In his last ten T20I innings, Hasan Nawaz has struck just 118 runs at an average of 11.8. But more importantly, his strike rate reads just 114.56 in this period, raising serious question marks over his place in the team. 
• So, although the Mike Hesson-led think tank generally backs its players, Hasan Nawaz's persistent lean patch might force the PCB to drop him from Pakistan's T20I squad. 

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