Babar Azam’s Strategic Batting Order Shift Against Islamabad United

LAHORE: Inzamam-ul-Haq, team director for Peshawar Zalmi, revealed on Wednesday that Babar Azam made the decision to move down the batting order during their recent match against Islamabad United.

Zalmi introduced a surprising change in their opening lineup, with Saim Ayub partnering with Mitcell Owen to chase a target of 144 runs. While the new opening partnership didn’t yield the desired results, Babar, batting at number three, played a crucial role in securing the win for his team alongside 19-year-old Maaz Sadaqat.

This clinical performance marked a significant comeback for Zalmi in the tournament.

During the post-match press conference following Zalmi’s victory over United, Inzamam elaborated on the captain’s tactical adjustment.

“Babar Azam is a world-class player. Batting at number three was entirely his decision,” Inzamam stated.

“He believed that Mitchell Owen could inject more power at the top, providing Zalmi with a robust start through aggressive hitting,” he further explained.

Inzamam also emphasized that Babar’s strategic thinking exemplifies leadership and maturity.

The former Pakistan captain also highlighted the importance of Babar elevating his strike rate, noting that it would be advantageous for both Zalmi and the Pakistan national team.

“An improved strike rate from Babar would positively influence both Pakistan and Peshawar Zalmi,” he asserted.

Inzamam also praised the young batter Maaz, who left a positive impression with a steady and impactful innings.

“Sadaqat displayed outstanding composure, a vital attribute in T20 cricket,” Inzamam observed.

“He was presented with an opportunity at the opportune moment, and he capitalized on it effectively,” the former captain acknowledged.

Reflecting on the team’s initial challenges in the tournament, Inzamam admitted that their start to the season was not ideal but expressed optimism that Zalmi would be in a stronger position going forward.