Former Pakistan captain Babar Azam delivered a strong statement ahead of the T20 World Cup 2026 by smashing 21 runs off five balls against left-arm pacer Shaheen Shah Afridi during an intra-squad practice session.
The face-off took place as Pakistan’s players resumed preparations following their return from overseas leagues.
The brief but explosive exchange quickly went viral on social media, with fans and analysts focusing on Babar’s aggressive intent against the team’s strike bowler.
Babar, who recently returned from the Big Bash League 2025–26 after representing Sydney Sixers, showed clear attacking intent.
On the opening delivery, he stepped down the pitch and launched Shaheen straight down the ground for a six. He followed it with a clean strike over the covers on a low full toss.
Shaheen then tested Babar with a short ball, but the right-hander stayed ready and pulled it confidently for another six. The bowler changed his angle and came around the wicket on the fifth delivery, only for Babar to flick the low full toss into the leg side for a boundary, completing a 21-run burst off five balls.
Shaheen also returned home after his BBL stint with Brisbane Heat, where injury limited his involvement. Both players have now shifted focus to Pakistan’s upcoming three-match T20I series against Australia, which forms an important part of preparations for the T20 World Cup.
The T20I series will take place on January 29, January 31 and February 1, starting at 4 pm (Pakistan Standard Time).