Babar Azam Likely to Make T20I Return vs South Africa

 

Introduction

Cricket fans in Pakistan have received big news ahead of the upcoming series against South Africa. Reports suggest that Babar Azam T20I return is on the cards as selectors prepare to strengthen the national team. Babar has been away from the T20 format since December 2024, and his comeback is expected to bring both excitement and stability to Pakistan’s batting line-up.

Why Was Babar Out of the T20I Squad?

Babar Azam is one of the most consistent batsmen in modern cricket, but questions were raised last year about his strike rate in T20s. After Pakistan suffered defeats against India, the selectors made some tough calls and decided to experiment with new players. This left Babar out of the T20I setup for a while.

However, his absence was felt by both fans and the team. Despite trying different combinations, Pakistan struggled to find the same balance in the batting order. This is why the management now seems keen on ensuring Babar Azam T20I return happens against a tough opponent like South Africa.

Possible Role in the Batting Order

A major point of discussion is where Babar will bat. Traditionally, he has opened for Pakistan, giving stability at the top. But with players like Mohammad Rizwan and Fakhar Zaman also competing for opening slots, selectors may ask Babar to play at number three or four.

Playing in the middle order could provide Pakistan with flexibility. If early wickets fall, Babar’s calm presence can help steady the innings. On the other hand, if openers give a strong start, he can accelerate and rotate the strike to maintain momentum. Either way, his return will improve Pakistan’s batting depth.

South Africa Series Will Be a Test

The T20I series against South Africa is not going to be easy. South African bowlers are known for their pace and aggression, and their batting lineup has power hitters who can change games quickly. For Pakistan, having someone like Babar Azam will be crucial in keeping the team competitive.

Babar also has a good record against South Africa. His experience of handling pressure and playing match-winning knocks could be a key factor in Pakistan’s performance. Fans are hopeful that the Babar Azam T20I return will inspire the rest of the squad and lift the overall spirit of the team.

Career Highlights

Babar Azam’s career stats speak for themselves. He is the fastest to reach 5,000 ODI runs and has already scored more than 4,200 runs in T20 internationals, second only to Rohit Sharma. With numerous half-centuries and consistent performances across formats, Babar remains one of the top batsmen in the world. His return is not just about filling a slot but about bringing leadership and class back into the T20I setup.

Conclusion

The news of Babar Azam coming back into Pakistan’s T20I team against South Africa has created a wave of excitement. The series will be a chance for Pakistan to prove their strength and for Babar to silence his critics once again. Fans will be watching closely to see how he performs, whether as an opener or in the middle order. One thing is certain: the cricket world will be talking about this much-awaited comeback.