During the T20 World Cup, Pakistan faced off against the Netherlands in what was anticipated to be an easy match, yet they encountered significant challenges. Pakistan struggled while chasing a target of 148 runs, revealing their pressure and vulnerability throughout the game. Captain Babar Azam had a particularly poor performance, scoring only 15 runs off 18 balls before being dismissed, which led to increasing tension as the match dragged on until the final overs. If not for a crucial inning by Faheem Ashraf, Pakistan could have faced a potential defeat.

Following Babar's early exit, critics have intensified their scrutiny of his capabilities in T20 cricket, particularly in the context of the World Cup. The former batter Basit Ali expressed that Babar could potentially be dropped from the playing eleven for the next match against the USA due to his underwhelming performance. This has sparked further debate about his selection in the team, especially considering his mediocre statistics in the Big Bash League while playing for Sydney Sixers, which seems to have overshadowed his contributions in international formats.

As the tournament progresses, the implications of Babar Azam's performance are significant not only for his personal reputation but also for Pakistan's ambitions in the T20 World Cup. His captaincy and batting prowess are now under considerable pressure, drawing attention to how pivotal his role is in their campaign. With conflicting opinions on his current form, the upcoming matches will be crucial in determining both his future in the World Cup and the overall strategies of the Pakistani team.