Pakistan will face New Zealand in the first Super Eight match of the T20 World Cup 2026 at R. Premadasa Stadium in Colombo, Sri Lanka, with fans eagerly anticipating the final playing XI.
The spotlight remains firmly on Pakistan’s middle order, particularly after experienced batter Babar Azam was demoted from his usual number four position during the last group-stage game against Namibia.
Babar Azam, widely regarded as one of most dependable batters, has carried the responsibility at number four throughout the tournament, but his recent performances have come under significant scrutiny from analysts.
Critics and cricket analysts question whether the right-handed batter, who needs just 32 runs to become Pakistan’s leading T20 World Cup scorer, has delivered the consistency expected in key high-pressure matches.
In T20 Internationals at number four between 2017 and 2026, the Lahore-born cricketer has played seven innings, scoring 185 runs at an average of 30.83 with a strike rate of 118.58, showing moderate reliability.
While Azam’s record demonstrates steadiness, it sharply contrasts with the aggressive form of Fakhar Zaman, whose recent performances at number four have sparked debates among cricket analysts.
Between 2021 and 2026, the left-handed Fakhar Zaman has scored 501 runs in 21 innings at an average of 25.05 with a strike rate of 150.45, including three half-centuries and a career-best score of 78.
| Player | Innings | Runs | Average | Strike Rate | 50s | 100s |
| Babar Azam | 7 | 185 | 30.83 | 118.58 | 1 | 0 |
| Fakhar Zaman | 21 | 501 | 25.05 | 150.45 | 3 | 0 |
The debate over Pakistan’s middle order has intensified, with strategists suggesting Fakhar Zaman could replace Babar Azam temporarily in the Super Eight, particularly if Saim Ayub is confirmed as the opening batter.
Analysts argue the aggressive style and proven ability of Fakhar Zaman to accelerate scoring could provide the Green Shirts with a crucial boost in the high-pressure stage of the tournament.
Replacing Azam would be a bold management decision but could reveal Pakistan’s depth, balance, and flexibility under pressure while testing the Men in Green during this critical stage of the T20 World Cup.
Stats on Babar Azam and Fakhar Zaman for Number 4 batting role in T20Is. pic.twitter.com/sWUpC7rrcc
— Mazher Arshad (@MazherArshad) February 20, 2026
