Latif questions Pakistan’s batting order and Babar Azam’s form after narrow win over Netherlands

Rashid Latif Warns Pakistan After Narrow Win, Says India vs USA Result Could Impact Qualification

Former Pakistan wicketkeeper questions batting roles and Babar Azam’s form after Netherlands scare in T20 World Cup 2026 opener.

Pakistan began their T20 World Cup 2026 campaign with a tense three-wicket win over the Netherlands.

Former cricketer Rashid Latif believes India’s result against USA could affect Pakistan’s qualification chances.

Latif praised Pakistan’s spin bowling but raised concerns about team balance and batting order confusion.

He also questioned Babar Azam’s form and decision-making in the chase.

Scorecard

Netherlands: 147 all out (19.5 overs)

Pakistan: 148/7 (19.3 overs)

Faheem Ashraf: 29*

Result: Pakistan won by 3 wickets

‘What If India Lose?’ Rashid Latif Says Pakistan’s Qualification Depends on Other Results Too

Pakistan may have secured two points in their tournament opener, but former Pakistan cricketer Rashid Latif believes the Men in Green have plenty to worry about after their narrow escape against the Netherlands. Speaking on the early T20 World Cup 2026 permutations, Latif said that India’s upcoming result against the USA could play a crucial role in shaping Pakistan’s qualification scenario.

Latif’s statement comes at a time when Group A is already surrounded by controversy and uncertainty, especially after Pakistan’s government reportedly allowed participation in the World Cup only under the condition that Pakistan will not play the scheduled match against India in Colombo on February 15.

With that fixture now expected to be cancelled or forfeited, the group dynamics have become even more unpredictable. Latif believes Pakistan cannot afford further stumbles, particularly against teams like USA and Namibia, who have shown the ability to fight hard in recent ICC events.

According to Latif, conditions have already started influencing teams early in the tournament, and unexpected results could quickly complicate qualification scenarios. He raised an important point: if India were to lose their match against the USA, it could create a chain reaction in the group table that may hurt Pakistan more than anyone else.

Latif explained that Pakistan’s best route remains straightforward win the remaining three group matches and qualification should be within reach. But if Pakistan continue to play inconsistent cricket, they may find themselves depending on other teams’ results.

Pakistan’s opener against the Netherlands was a clear example of why Latif is concerned. Despite Pakistan’s bowlers doing an excellent job to restrict the Netherlands to 147 all out in 19.5 overs, the chase became unnecessarily tense due to a collapse in the middle overs.

Salman Mirza starred with the ball, picking up three wickets, while spinners Mohammad Nawaz and Abrar Ahmed maintained control in the middle overs. Debutant Saim Ayub also impressed by chipping in with wickets, helping Pakistan keep the Dutch total below a threatening score.

However, Latif pointed out that Pakistan’s batting issues remain unresolved. He praised the Netherlands for their disciplined bowling and said they exposed Pakistan’s weaknesses, particularly in the middle order.

Latif also questioned the constant changes in batting roles. He highlighted how Babar Azam has been moved down to number four after struggling higher up the order, while Fakhar Zaman, who didn’t feature in the opener, had earlier been used at number five. He also raised eyebrows over Pakistan’s selection strategy, mentioning that the squad includes three wicketkeepers, despite not all of them being regular wicketkeepers at franchise level.

While Latif acknowledged positives such as Pakistan’s spin attack and the relative stability of the top three batters, he warned that the same performance level may not be enough in upcoming matches. He believes Pakistan could face serious trouble if they continue to stumble in chases and allow pressure to build.

The sharpest criticism was reserved for Babar Azam’s form. Latif stated that number four is actually a suitable position for Babar, and the match situation was ideal for him to anchor the innings. But instead of taking responsibility, Latif felt Babar played an unnecessary shot and threw away his wicket, adding pressure on the rest of the lineup.

Latif also addressed the possibility of an India–Pakistan clash, saying the decision lies entirely with the governments, not the players. He added that given the current political stance, he does not see the match happening.

Pakistan may have won their opener, but Latif’s comments underline a hard truth in a World Cup, narrow escapes can quickly turn into early exits if problems aren’t fixed. For Pakistan, the message is clear: improve quickly, or the group stage could become a dangerous trap.