New Delhi: Babar Azam’s performance in the recent T20 Asia Cup was nothing special. He appeared in 6 matches and could not score a half-century in any of them. He comes in to open with wicketkeeper-batsman Mohammad Rizwan. Questions have been raised on the strike rate of both. The T20 series of 7 matches between Pakistan and England (PAK vs ENG) is starting from today. The English team has come on tour after 17 years. When Babar Azam was asked about the series, he and Mohammad Rizwan’s low strike rate have been constantly questioned. On this, he said that our performance in the Asia Cup definitely came down a bit, but for the last two years we have been performing well as opening batsmen.
The Pakistan Cricket Board has posted a video of the journalists’ conversation with Babar Azam on social media. In it, a journalist asked, the strike rate of the top order is discussed. On this, Babar Azam said that our opening has been good for the last two years. We play by looking at different situations. The team also benefited from it. After a good start, the middle order takes it forward. My strike rate stays around. Sometimes it even comes down. I don’t think much about it.
A good performance by the middle order
Pakistan captain Babar Azam said that it is a pleasure that our middle order performed well in the Asia Cup. Everyone tries to give 100 percent. Although my performance was not good. On the question of playing more dot balls in powerplay and matches, captain Babar Azam said that we play according to the situation. In the same way we also achieved the target of more than 200 runs. The more the top-order batsmen take the match closer, the more the team benefits. There must have been more dot balls in the T20 Asia Cup, but we didn’t lose matches because of it.
Because of the T20 series against England, Babar Azam said that this is an important series. All players are happy. 7 matches before the World Cup will give us a chance to prepare. All are ready to give 100 percent. Regarding Shaheen Shah Afridi, he said that he is one of the important players of the team. He will start bowling next month. Hopefully he will be fully fit before the T20 World Cup. It should be noted that the World Cup matches are to be held in Australia from October 16. Pakistan will face India in the first match on October 23.