Will Babar Azam play tonight in SL vs PAK Super 8 clash of T20 World Cup 2026?
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Babar Azam’s selection under is serious review as Pakistan enter the must-win Super 8 SL vs PAK clash.
Pakistan are looking for a big win against Sri Lanka in a bid to keep their T20 World Cup 2026 campaign alive. Babar Azam’s inclusion, though, is up for consideration ahead of the match at the Pallekele International Stadium in Pallekele.
Even after New Zealand’s defeat against England, Pakistan find themselves in a do-or-die situation as they are set to face the co-hosts Sri Lanka in the final Group 2 Super 8 encounter. Salman Ali Agha’s men are in a must-win situation in this encounter in order to avoid a humiliating exit from the tournament.
SL vs PAK: With a 65-run victory required, Can Pakistan afford Babar Azam’s measured batting approach?
Pakistan still have hopes of qualifying for the semifinals of the ICC T20 World Cup. But beating Sri Lanka alone is not enough. Pakistan need to beat Sri Lanka by about or 65 runs or chase the target in 13 over. This can be done only if they bat out of their skins.
Most Pakistani batters take their time sitting in the crease before hitting boundaries. Babar Azam is the most extreme of all the Pakistani batters. If Pakistan want their batters to bat at a huge run rate, they cannot let Babar bat in the manner that he always does.
Former captain Babar Azam has largely struggled in the T20 World Cup 2026 so far. He has only managed to score 91 runs in 6 matches so far with a best of 46 and a strike-rate of 112.34. Pacer Shaheen Afridi spoke out in the media about Babar’s poor strike rate while scoring 25 off 24 balls against England in a two-wicket defeat.
If Pakistan were to leave Babar out for the final Super 8 match, the only realistic options are explosive batter Khawaja Nafay or all-rounder Faheem Ashraf. With only a few hours to go, it will be intriguing to watch Pakistan’s decision on Babar Azam’s inclusion.
Will Babar Azam play in the SL vs PAK Super 8 match tonight?
His inclusion remains uncertain, with Pakistan’s management considering a more aggressive batting option for the clash against Sri Lanka.
Why is Babar Azam’s place in the XI under question?
His strike rate of 112.34 and 91 runs in six matches have raised concerns ahead of a must-win game.
Who could replace Babar Azam if he is rested?
Explosive batter Khawaja Nafay or all-rounder Faheem Ashraf are the likely alternatives.
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Vishwajit Sawant is a sports content writer with two years of experience who believes in writing that feels honest, simple, and easy to read. He enjoys breaking down sporting moments into stories readers can genuinely connect with, without relying on fancy vocabulary. His work spans cricket, football, basketball, tennis, and Formula 1, with a focus on match previews, reviews, and reports. Vishwajit believes good content doesn’t need to be loud — it just needs to leave a subtle impact.