Dropped from T20I squad, Babar Azam makes underwhelming return to T20s as he gets out playing reverse sweep; watch video

Babar was recently dropped from the T20I squad alongwith Mohammad Rizwan. Agha Salman is leading Pakistan's T20I side against New Zealand in the five-T20I series. Under Salman's leadership, the new look team has lost the first two T20Is. 

As Babar came to open, he was greeted by veteran pacer Sohail Khan and Test captain Shan Masood. In the run chase of 172, Babar got off to a decent start. He shared a 37-run partnership with Umar Siddiq who scored 24 runs from 14 balls. When the left-arm spinner Danish Aziz was introduced, Babar went for a reverse sweep and was caught at backward point by Mohammad Umar. He scored 22 runs from 17 balls. 

Against Lahore Region Whites, Aziz took two wickets for 28 runs in his quota of four overs. The 29-year-old has not played international cricket since 2021. He has played two ODIs and as many T20Is. He remained wicketless in ODIs against South Africa and claimed a couple in T20Is on Zimbabwe tour. 

In the run chase, Lahore Region Whites lost four wickets for 66 runs. Qasim Akram and wicketkeeper-batter Junaid Ali could not revive the run chase in the middle overs. Nisar Ahmed entertained the crowd with three sixes in his nine-ball 21. Lahore Region Blues were bowled out for 134 in 18.5 overs and lost the match by 37 runs. 

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Another ton for Shakeel 

Earlier, the in-form Saud Shakeel scored his second half-century of the tournament. His 52-ball 73 and cameos from other players helped Karachi Region Whites post 171/5 on the board. Shakeel's knock was laced with eight fours and three sixes.