In a surprising turn of events, Babar Azam, Pakistan’s undisputed batting maestro, didn’t get the opportunity to bat against Namibia today. Known for his consistency and often anchoring the innings from number four, Babar found himself an unused spectator, as Pakistan’s top-order blitzed their way to a commanding total. The innings kicked off with a bang, thanks to the dynamic opening pair of Saim Ayub and Shaihzada Farhan. Farhan, in particular, stole the show, bringing up a magnificent century, becoming just the second Pakistani batter to score a hundred in a men’s T20 World Cup.
After their blistering start, the momentum kept building as captain Salman Ali Agha followed, keeping the scoreboard ticking. In a tactical move, Khawaja came in ahead of Babar, a decision that surprised some.
Then, in a bold twist, Shadab Khan was sent in before Babar, showcasing Pakistan’s depth and flexibility in the batting lineup. By the time the 20 overs were up, Pakistan had posted a formidable 199, just one run shy of200.
Sahibzada Farhan smashes century against Namibia - WATCH
Despite the team’s fireworks, there was a palpable sense that Babar’s absence was a missed opportunity. After all, he is often hailed as Pakistan’s best batter, a player whose elegance and composure at the crease define the team’s batting blueprint. Yet, his sidelining today was a testament to the growing depth of this Pakistan side, a team that can dominate even when their star is resting. As the tournament progresses, fans will hope for another chance to see Babar’s masterclass, but for now, the spotlight shines on Farhan and Pakistan’s brilliant team display.
