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Peshawar Zalmi assistant and bowling coach, Azhar Mahmood has pointed out Pakistan team management for demanding a role from Babar Azam in T20 World Cup 2026 which did not suit his batting style. Mahmoood, who has served in Pakistan’s coaching staff earlier, also hit back at criticism around Babar’s strike rate not being up to the standards of modern day T20 cricket. He pointed out Sahibzada Farhan’s T20I strike rate is not too high when compared to Babar and believes that the former skipper should be charged with the role of setting up a platform for big hitters.
"The problem for Babar Azam was what was demanded from him. He was forced to bat at number 4 in the World Cup for his low strike rate. Now if I will come to the strike rate of others, the best batter of Pakistan in the WC was Sahibzada Farhan. Even he has a strike rate about 135 [136.64] in T20Is. Babar has 128 strike rate so there's not much difference. We should admit that Pakistan doesn't have 190-200 strike rate players. Babar Azam should be utilized properly like we utilized him in this PSL. He sets the platform for the other batters to hit the ball," Mahmood said in the post-match presentation.
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Truth about Babar vs Sahibzada strike rate
While Mahmood is not far away from the truth when he pointed out Farhan’s strike rate, it is worth noting that Babar’s strike rate is lowest among batters with more than 500 runs in T20 World Cup history. Also, Farhan scored a record-breaking 383 runs at a strike rate of 160.25 in the mega event and constantly talks about improving it. On the other hand, Babar's strike rate in the 2026 edition was as low as 112.34.
ALSO READ: Babar Azam scores his fastest PSL century, equals Virat Kohli's partnership record
There is a stark difference in the ongoing PSL edition as well. Babar is the second-highest run-scorer currently with 401 runs from seven innings at a strike rate of 143.72. His strike rate improved after his unbeaten 52-ball 100 against Quetta Gladiators. Also, it has not come under the scanner as Kusal Mendis has been in phenomenal form, scoring 413 runs from seven innings at a strike rate of nearly 170.
On the other hand, Farhan’s strike rate in PSL 2026 is 180.43. The Multan Sultans opener has scored 249 runs at an average of 49.80, featuring a century and fifty each.
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