Head coach of Pakistan cricket team Saqlain Mushtaq rejected concerns about captain Babar Azam’s performance and also found nothing wrong with opening batsman Mohammad Rizwan’s batting style after Pakistan lost the Asia Cup final to Sri Lanka in Dubai.
Babar Azam, the second-ranked T20 batsman in the world behind Rizwan, managed just 68 runs in six matches and his form would be a concern ahead of the 20-overs World Cup in Australia beginning next month.
“If you look at his batting, you’d just say he’s unlucky, especially the way he’s getting out,” Saqlain said after Pakistan’s 23 runs defeat by Sri Lanka.
“It’s just a patch. If you look at the rankings, he’s among the top in T20 International and in ODIs. It’s just been bad luck. The way he’s training and playing it’s amazing.
Babar’s opening partner Rizwan top-scored for Pakistan with 55 off 49 balls in Sunday’s final but his traditional approach to batting appeared ill-suited for the 20-overs format.
“Every team and player have their own style and methods,” former test spinner Saqlain said.
Saqlain also rejected suggestions of a left-right opening combination of Fakhar Zaman with either Babar or Rizwan.
