In June, the ninth edition of the T20 World Cup is set to get underway in the West Indies and USA, and Pakistan will arrive hoping to add another crown to their 2009 victory.
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On Thursday, they took on England in the fourth and final T20I of their bilateral series, which served as both teams' final preparations ahead of the global event. After being put in to bat, Pakistan openers Mohammad Rizwan and Babar Azam took them to 59/1 in the Powerplay.
However, after they departed, Pakistan crumbled, eventually folding for 157 all out. In reply, England chased down the target in style, taking just 15.3 overs as opener Phil Salt top-scored with a brisk 45 off 24 balls.
Should Azam Khan be in the Pakistan team for T20 World Cup?
One of Pakistan's main worries now is the form of wicketkeeper Azam Khan. The hard-hitting batter has gone off the boil in recent matches with scores of 0, 11, 18*, 30* and 0 in his last five games for Pakistan. His overall record in T20Is is nothing to write home about either.
MORE: Pakistan squad for T20 Cricket World Cup 2024
Azam did enjoy a good PSL 2024 season, contributing quick runs in the lower-middle order with a strike rate of 171. However, given his recent form in national colours it is worth asking whether he should start for Pakistan at the T20 World Cup.
As far as wicketkeeping goes, Pakistan have another readymade option in Mohammad Rizwan, who is already a nailed-on starter. If they were to drop Azam, there is a lack of suitable replacements. The only batter who could come in would be Usman Khan or Saim Ayub (depending on which of these two starts), another top-order player.
MORE: Shahid Afridi raises concerns over Azam Khan's fitness
Pakistan's issue is that Usman is untested at the international level, and Saim has also been out of sorts. In addition, if both of them play it would push one or two of Babar, Rizwan, Usman, Saim or Fakhar Zaman out of position. For the sake of maintaining the balance of the batting order, Pakistan may have to stick with Azam and hope he delivers on the promise he has shown in franchise T20 cricket.
| Format | Matches | Runs | Average | Strike Rate | High Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| All T20s | 165 | 3242 | 24.9 | 148.0 | 109* |
| T20Is | 13 | 88 | 9.8 | 135.4 | 30* |
Pakistan's Azam Khan dimissed for a duck against England - How did fans react on social media?
Struggle against spinners, can't play pacers and worst wicket keeper. Babar Azam and Pakistani selectors are literally shameless. They don't even know that how much fitness is important for any athlete to succeed. Azam Khan is the worst cricketer any T20 side can have.#ENGvPAK pic.twitter.com/GtPAUl2rIy
— Tehseen Qasim (@Tehseenqasim) May 31, 2024
@gradecricketer If you think some of the County Championship is dodgy, take a look at last night's performance from Azam Khan in last night's T20I.https://t.co/GzKcja8Mp1
— Simon Menneer (@WindyinSancreed) May 31, 2024
Now you understand how much important glove work is in the Int cricket? Azam Khan is out of sorts on this lively pitch.
— Ahmer Najeeb Satti (@AhmerNajeeb) May 30, 2024
No one can match M Rizwan the quality he adds to the PAK side with bat & glove.#PAKvENG pic.twitter.com/IgmM7nkpN6
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