Babar Azam has staged a remarkable return to form in the ongoing domestic T20 competition in Pakistan, producing a match-winning century for Peshawar Zalmi that propelled his side into the final. The innings marked a significant turnaround for the star batter, who has faced sustained criticism in recent months due to a prolonged dip in performance across both international and domestic cricket.
His recent struggles had seen him omitted from Pakistan’s national squad, with questions intensifying over his consistency and ability to anchor innings at the highest level. However, his performances in the domestic league suggest a renewed sense of purpose, as he has rediscovered fluency, timing, and confidence at the crease. The century he struck for Peshawar Zalmi was characterised by controlled aggression, intelligent strike rotation, and well-timed acceleration against the opposition bowling attack.
Batting with composure and authority, Babar constructed his innings with a blend of patience and calculated stroke play. He absorbed early pressure before gradually shifting gears, dismantling the bowling unit with precision. His knock not only secured a place in the final for his team but also served as a strong personal statement amid widespread scrutiny.
Pakistan’s Test head coach Sarfaraz Ahmed has expressed satisfaction with Babar’s resurgence, noting a visible improvement in both technique and mental resilience. According to him, Babar now appears more mature as a batter, demonstrating greater clarity in decision-making and a stronger temperament under pressure. He further highlighted that the batter’s current form reflects consistency and growing self-assurance at the crease, which could prove crucial for Pakistan’s upcoming assignments.
While his white-ball form has drawn praise, the coaching staff is reportedly placing additional focus on his role in the Test format. Plans are underway to assess how best to utilise his experience and skill set in longer formats, particularly with a demanding international calendar ahead.
Pakistan are set to tour Bangladesh next month for a two-match Test series, part of the ICC World Test Championship cycle. Babar has been named in the squad, marking his return to Test cricket after a notable absence. The series is widely viewed as an opportunity for him to re-establish his dominance in red-ball cricket.
Pakistan Tour of Bangladesh – Schedule
| Activity | Date | Venue |
|---|---|---|
| Training camp concludes | 1 May | Pakistan |
| Arrival in Bangladesh | 2 May | Dhaka |
| 1st Test begins | 8 May | Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium, Mirpur |
| 2nd Test begins | 16 May | Sylhet International Cricket Stadium |
Following the Bangladesh series, Pakistan are scheduled to engage in several key Test assignments against England, Sri Lanka, and the West Indies in the next season. These fixtures are expected to have a significant impact on the World Test Championship standings.
Overall, Babar Azam’s return to form offers a timely boost for Pakistan cricket. Both fans and team management will be hopeful that he can translate his domestic resurgence into sustained success at the international level across all formats.