It's important for Babar Azam not to bat at 130-140 strike-rate when team is chasing 200: Misbah-ul-Haq

As the T20 World Cup 2024 approaches, former Pakistan captain Misbah-ul-Haq has emphasized the need for current skipper Babar Azam to adapt his batting approach based on match situations.

While Babar's batting prowess is beyond question, there have been discussions about his strike rate and ability to shift gears in the shortest format of the game. Misbah believes the ace batter must be prepared to bat at a strike rate of 160-170 or even 200 if the match situations demands.

The former skipper revelation came after Babar's sensational 75 off 42 balls against Ireland in the recent T20I series decider. Under his captaincy, the Men in Green secured a hard-fought 2-1 series win over the Irish side. The skipper was the joint-highest run-scorer with 132 runs at an average of 66 and a strike rate of 150.

Speaking on the matter, the legendary cricketer emphasized the importance of Babar reading match situations knowingly.

“We saw he (Babar) improved his strike rate against Ireland. Hopefully, he will bat like that when the team requires that sort of innings from him. If an anchor role is required, then anchor it. But you have to be potentially ready to play at 160-170 or even a strike rate of 200 if the team needs it. It will be an important thing for Babar to not bat at 130-140 strike rate if the team is chasing 200,” Misbah-ul-Haq was heard speaking on Star Sports Press Room.

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Outside noise does affect a player: Misbah

The 49-year-old also addressed the external criticism the star batter faces regarding his strike rate. He acknowledged that such noise can affect players but believes top cricketers use it to their own advantage as a sort of motivation.

“Outside noise does affect a player, but good players, who are mentally strong, top cricketers in the world, they take motivation from criticism. They write down those noises that yes, I have to answer them on the ground. Somehow, they take motivation from those voices and criticism,” he added.

Also Read: Talk about strike rates as much as you want, Virat Kohli knows how to win matches: Misbah-ul-Haq

Before travelling to the Caribbean and the USA for the T20 World Cup, Babar and Co. will play a four-match T20I series against England starting from May 22.