Pakistan drops Babar Azam for do-or-die T20 World Cup 2026 clash against Sri Lanka

Pakistan has left out star batter Babar Azam from its playing eleven for its crucial T20 World Cup 2026 Super Eight fixture against Sri Lanka in Pallekele on Saturday.

Salman Agha’s side must overcome the Lankan Lions by 64 runs or more to qualify for the semifinal, prompting the management to drop Babar for a more attacking batter in Khawaja Nafay.

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Babar, the leading scorer in T20 internationals, has managed only 91 runs in four innings this tournament, averaging 22.75 and a strike rate of 112.34. The former captain was brought into the setup by coach Mike Hesson ahead of the World Cup to tackle the spinners in the middle overs but has managed only a best score of 46 in the competition so far.

Also making way from the line-up is Saim Ayub, who has recorded only 70 runs in five innings at a paltry average of 14. He has been replaced in the team by Abrar Ahmed. Left-arm pacer Salman Mirza has been replaced by Naseem Shah.