Babar Azam Reclaims Form, Scores 46 Against USA in T20 World Cup

Pakistan’s star batter, Babar Azam, showcased a return to form during the ICC T20 World Cup 2026, scoring an aggressive 46 runs off 32 balls against the USA on February 10, 2026. Babar initially adopted a cautious approach but shifted gears in the 13th over, where he struck spinner Harmeet Singh for 17 runs in just five deliveries, marking one of his most explosive performances in recent times.

Babar’s innings began slowly; he managed only 15 runs in the first 18 balls without hitting a boundary. However, he quickly found his rhythm, scoring 31 runs from his next 14 balls, which included four fours and a six. Unfortunately, his innings came to an end in the 15th over when he attempted to clear the long-on boundary but misjudged the shot, resulting in a catch by Milind Kumar off the bowling of Mohammad Mohsin.

Sahibzada Farhan, who anchored the innings alongside Babar, also made a significant contribution, scoring 73 runs off 41 balls before being dismissed in the 16th over. The partnership had provided a solid foundation, but Pakistan will need to evaluate their performance as they progress in the tournament.

Babar’s struggle with strike rotation earlier in the tournament had attracted criticism, particularly following his slow performance against the Netherlands, where he managed just 15 runs off 18 balls. Former Australian captain Ricky Ponting emphasized the pressure such a start places on teammates, stating, “If you’re 15 off 18 balls, you’re not just putting pressure on yourself; you’re putting pressure on the guy at the other end.”

Former India head coach Ravi Shastri also weighed in on the expectations surrounding Babar. He noted, “There’s a weight of expectation. People expect you to go out there and deliver.” Shastri encouraged Babar to focus on hitting boundaries early in his innings to set a positive tone.

As Pakistan continues its campaign in the T20 World Cup, the performance of key players like Babar will be crucial. With the tournament progressing, fans and analysts alike will be watching closely to see if he can maintain this form and lead his team to success.

This match has proven pivotal for Babar Azam, who has faced scrutiny in recent games. His ability to adapt and score rapidly could be essential for Pakistan as they aim for a strong finish in the tournament.