Babar Azam registered the slowest strike rate by any batter in T20 World Cup history during Pakistan’s Super 8 match against England on Wednesday. Batting at No. 4, he managed only 25 runs from 24 balls, including two boundaries. His strike rate for the tournament now stands at 111.5, marking a historic low.
Despite this, former England cricketer Michael Vaughan commended Pakistan’s head coach, Mike Hesson, for handling Babar’s role intelligently throughout the competition. Vaughan believes Babar Azam’s place in the team is secure due to political factors, with Hesson relying on him as a form of ‘insurance policy’.
Speaking on Cricbuzz, Vaughan said, “I have great respect for overseas coaches who take on the challenge of coaching in Pakistan, as I can only imagine the complexities they face,” he said.
“Mike Hesson has managed the situation with Babar Azam brilliantly. Clearly, Babar has to play, and Hesson is using him as a backup plan. If two wickets fall, he’s your insurance. Babar comes in at number four, ready to play and stabilise the innings,” he added.
Vaughan thinks that Babar Azam is ideal for the Sri Lankan pitches and anticipates solid performances from him.
“He’s the ideal player for the wickets in Sri Lanka, where the scores have generally been around 150-180. Babar fits perfectly within that range, and I believe he’ll help Pakistan reach a total of 160-170,” he mentioned.
“However, on a 200 or 210 pitch, Babar won’t be able to get you to that score. I just don’t believe he’s that type of player anymore.
“I respect how Mike Hesson has managed the situation. However, on a pitch like the one in Pallekele, I’d definitely want Babar Azam in my team. Without a doubt, because I need someone steady who can handle the spinners. If he strikes at 125-130, that’s perfectly fine. You’ll need a few cameos from others, but I’d want that reliable player in the middle overs. I think they’ve handled it well,” he explained.
“I personally would never want to be an overseas coach in Pakistan. I’ve had many conversations with Jason Gillespie when I visited there, and it’s a tough situation. But I believe Hesson, the team, and the management have handled it incredibly well. They’ve done everything perfectly,” he concluded.
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