The Pakistani cricket team has successfully qualified for the Super-8 phase of the ICC T20 World Cup 2026 despite suffering a heavy defeat against India in the group stage. They managed to secure their spot by defeating the Netherlands, the United States, and Namibia. As they enter the Super-8 stage, they are set to face formidable opponents such as New Zealand, England, and Sri Lanka, raising the stakes significantly for the team's performance.

However, a cloud hangs over the team as former captain Babar Azam's poor form has become a point of concern. As one of the most experienced players, Babar has not lived up to expectations during this tournament, with scores of just 5, 46, and 15 in the group stage. His struggles have placed additional pressure on Pakistan's middle order, which has led to worries about the team's overall stability and scoring capability in critical matches.

In light of these issues, Pakistan’s coach Mike Hesson revealed the team's strategy to bat Babar down the order, highlighting that his strike rate during the powerplay has been below 100, which is not favorable for the team's aggressive playing style. This decision reflects the coaching staff's commitment to maximizing team performance, but it also raises questions about Babar’s role moving forward in the tournament, as his current form could impact the team's chances against stronger cricketing nations in the upcoming matches.