Pakistan’s star batter Babar Azam is going through one of the most challenging phases of his career. Over the past two years, he has struggled to make a significant impact in crucial tournaments and bilateral series. Despite his underwhelming performances, there was no immediate threat to his place in the team—until now. A single 44-ball innings by a young Pakistani batter may have just sealed Babar’s fate in the national T20 setup.

Pakistan’s Disastrous Champions Trophy Campaign & Selection Shake-Up

Pakistan's poor performance in the Champions Trophy 2025 led to a major squad overhaul. The team crashed out in the first round, prompting selectors to rethink the composition of the squad. When Pakistan’s T20 team was picked for the New Zealand series, senior players like Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan were left out. These two had been Pakistan’s preferred openers for years, but now, their exclusion has raised serious questions about their future in the shortest format.

Hasan Nawaz’s 44-Ball Masterclass Changes Everything

Pakistan’s T20 squad for the New Zealand series featured several fresh faces, and the team suffered heavy defeats in the first two matches. However, in the third T20, Pakistan staged a remarkable comeback, chasing down a target of 207 in just 16 overs, securing a dominant nine-wicket victory. The hero of this win was 22-year-old opener Hasan Nawaz, who had failed to score in his first two matches and was heavily criticized on social media.

Facing immense pressure, Hasan silenced his critics in spectacular fashion, smashing a record-breaking century in just 44 balls. He remained unbeaten on 105 off 45 deliveries, hitting 10 fours and 7 sixes. This breathtaking knock became the fastest T20I century ever by a Pakistani batter.

Babar Azam’s T20 Career in Jeopardy?

For years, Pakistan’s T20 opening pair of Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan was criticized for their slow starts, while other top international teams embraced an aggressive approach. Hasan Nawaz and Mohammad Haris have now demonstrated that Pakistan can thrive with an attacking style, without relying on Babar and Rizwan’s conservative approach.

With the emergence of young, fearless stroke-makers, Babar Azam’s place in Pakistan’s T20 squad is now uncertain. If the selectors continue to back the new aggressive batting philosophy, Babar’s exclusion from T20Is could become permanent. While his ODI and Test career may still be secure, his days in Pakistan’s T20 team seem numbered.