Former cricketer Shoaib Malik suggested captain Babar Azam to come out at number three following Pakistan’s seven-wicket defeat to England in the fourth T20I at Kennington Oval.
Babar made 36 runs from 22 balls with a strike rate of 163.64, hitting five fours and one six. Speaking on his official X account, Malik admitted that this series had been tough and stated that the team needs an individual who can move the ball around during themiddle overs, pointing to Babar as the best candidate.He also told Azam Khan together with Shadab Khan two players that they are vital for our team.
Malik wrote: “Tough series! Remember: we’ve been in tough spots before & came out stronger! IMO Babar should bat at no 03! We need someone in the middle overs to rotate strike, you are our best option. Azam & Shadab, you two are vital for our team, don’t lose confidence, play with heart, you are match winners. Going into the World Cup, keep your morale high, we’ve got this.”
England opted to bowl first in the contest. Dashing starts by Babar Azam (36 off 22) and Mohammed Rizwan (23 off 16) were taken care of by Adil Rashid (2/27) and Moeen Ali (1/23), who choked Pakistan at 86/5.
Pakistan managed a score of 157/10 from contributions of Usman Khan (38 off 21) and Iftikhar Ahmed (21 off 18) achieved within nineteen point five overs. Bowlers from England also bowled well; Mark Wood had figures of 2/35 whereas Liam Livingstone conceded only seventeen runs taking two wickets.
In their chase, openers Phil Salt (45 off 24) and Jos Buttler (39 off 24) took over the game and put together a powerplay stand of 78 runs. Haris Rauf (3/38) tried to push Pakistan back into the game, but Jonny Bairstow (28* off 16) and Harry Brook (17* off 14) wrapped up the match in just fifteen point three overs for England who registered a comfortable seven-wicket victory.
