Pakistan will kick off their Super Eight journey in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 with a heavyweight clash against New Zealand at the R Premadasa Stadium, Colombo, on Saturday. And already, the build-up has taken a dramatic turn.
Not because of conditions. Not because of injuries.But because of one question that no one expected to ask at this stage: Should Pakistan drop Babar Azam?
A Rivalry That Rarely Disappoints
Both teams come into this contest on the back of wins in their final group matches. However, recent history makes things interesting. In the last five T20I meetings between the two sides, Pakistan have won just once.
Overall, though, the rivalry remains tight. In 49 T20Is, Pakistan have won 24, New Zealand 23, while two ended without a result.
Yet here is the twist. When it comes to the T20 World Cup, Pakistan dominate the narrative. They hold a 5-2 edge over the Black Caps in tournament history. That psychological advantage matters, especially in a pressure stage like the Super Eight.
Still, past numbers alone will not win Saturday’s game.
The Babar Question: Form vs Legacy
Let’s address the elephant in the room. Reports from Colombo suggest that Pakistan’s team management is seriously considering dropping Babar Azam and replacing him with Fakhar Zaman at number four.
On current form, the debate has logic. Babar has struggled in this World Cup. Apart from a 46 against the USA, he managed 15 and 5 against the Netherlands and India. Against Namibia, he was not even sent in to bat.
For a player of his stature, those numbers feel underwhelming.
However, context matters. Historically, Babar has enjoyed facing New Zealand. In 24 innings against them, he has scored 880 runs at an average of 41.90 and a strike rate of 131.93. He also has one century and eight half-centuries against the Kiwis.
So the question becomes simple: Do you back class in a big game, or do you react to recent form?
Fakhar Zaman: Pakistan’s Cheat Code?
If Pakistan are considering a change, Fakhar Zaman is not a random option.
In fact, he has often been Pakistan’s cheat code against New Zealand across formats. The 35-year-old has not played a match in this World Cup yet, but his inclusion in the Super Eight would not surprise many.
In T20Is against New Zealand, Fakhar has scored 439 runs in 16 innings at an average of 27.43 and a strike rate of 134.25. While those numbers are solid rather than spectacular, his impact factor often goes beyond statistics.
Interestingly, the talk is about him replacing Babar specifically at number four.
Now we all know Babar is not a natural fit at number four in this format. Fakhar, on the other hand, thrives there. At number four, he has scored 501 runs in 21 innings at a strike rate of 150.45. That is serious firepower in the middle overs.
Pakistan are unlikely to make many other changes to the side that beat Namibia. Abrar Ahmed may not return, which suggests continuity in the bowling unit.
Therefore, the real debate centres around one slot. Do Pakistan trust their proven match-winner who has a strong record against New Zealand? Or do they inject fresh aggression with Fakhar Zaman at number four?
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