Babar Azam to Bat at No. 3 in T20I Comeback Against South Africa
Pakistan’s white-ball head coach, Mike Hesson, has confirmed that star batter Babar Azam will bat at number three in the upcoming T20I series against South Africa. The series will mark Babar’s return to the shorter format after nine months away.
The former captain last represented Pakistan in T20 internationals against South Africa in December 2024. Despite his absence from the format, Babar has remained a vital figure in Pakistan’s ODI and Test squads. His comeback adds strength to the batting lineup ahead of a crucial season of white-ball cricket.
Coach Hesson Confirms Babar’s Role
During a media briefing in Rawalpindi, Hesson expressed full confidence in Babar’s return and readiness to perform at his best.
“I fully endorse his selection,” Hesson stated. “With Fakhar Zaman moved to first-class cricket, it created space for another top-order player. This is the perfect chance to bring Babar back into the squad. He’s likely to bat at three, and I’m very confident he’ll do well in that role.”
The coach’s comments underline Pakistan’s intention to strengthen the top order with experienced players ahead of the upcoming T20 challenges.
Squad Adjustments and Selection Insights
Hesson also shared details about other squad decisions. He confirmed that wicketkeeper-batter Mohammad Haris was dropped following several underwhelming performances despite multiple opportunities.
“Haris is still young and needs improvement,” Hesson said, emphasizing the importance of performance-based selection.
Usman Khan earned a recall to the squad owing to his strong record against spin bowling, a key factor in subcontinental conditions. Meanwhile, spinner Sufiyan Moqim has been released to participate in domestic cricket, allowing him more match exposure.
Pakistan have named a 15-member squad for the T20I series against South Africa and the upcoming tri-nation event. A 16-member lineup has been announced for the ODI matches against South Africa and Sri Lanka.
Focus on T20 World Cup Preparation
According to Hesson, both the South Africa T20I series and the tri-nation event are essential for shaping the team ahead of the next T20 World Cup. The management plans to test combinations and assess the balance between experienced players and emerging talents.
“These matches will help us identify the best options for the T20 World Cup,” he explained. “We’re working towards a stable core that can perform in different conditions.”
Reaction to Asia Cup Final Loss
Reflecting on Pakistan’s recent defeat to India in the Asia Cup 2025 final, Hesson admitted the loss was disappointing but insisted it offered valuable lessons for the team.
“It was a tough loss, but we’ve taken it as a learning experience,” he noted. “Our focus now is on consistency and execution in pressure situations.”
The coach also praised emerging spinner Usman Tariq, calling him a promising “spin talent” with the potential to make an impact in future competitions.
Babar Azam’s confirmed return at the No. 3 position brings renewed optimism for Pakistan’s batting order. With a blend of experience and emerging talent, Pakistan aims to refine its strategy before the T20 World Cup. Coach Hesson’s confidence in Babar’s comeback highlights the importance of stability at the top order as Pakistan prepare for a demanding international season.
