Babar Azam slams Pakistan middle-order after series loss vs ...

Pakistan captain Babar Azam has slammed the team's middle-order after losing the fourth and the final T20I of the England series. Babar has hoped for a better show in the T20 World Cup 2024.

Pakistan's Azam Khan walks back after getting out iin 4th T20I. (PA via AP)

Pakistan captain Babar Azam has slammed the team's middle-order after their T20I series loss against England. Playing in the fourth and the final T20I match of the series, Pakistan were bundled out for just 157 runs, despite starting well with the bat. Pakistan were 59/1 in the powerplay but got bundled out for just 157 runs. Azam Khan, Shadab khan and Shaheen Shah Afridi scored ducks in the final T20I match, which eventually led to Pakistan losing the series 2-0.

A furious Babar Azam spoke in the post-match presentation ceremony and hoped that the middle-order turns up in the T20 World Cup 2024. Babar had the right to be angry as Pakistan were in good stead with a successful opening partnership between Babar and Mohammad Rizwan. The captain was the first to fall in the final over of the powerplay, edging the ball to third man against Jofra Archer.

ENG vs PAK, 4th T20I: Highlights

Pakistan failed to capitalise on the run-rate, and lost a flurry of wickets, eventually getting bundled out for 157 runs in 19.5 overs. After the top three - Babar (36 off 22), Rizwan (23 off 16) and Usman Khan (38 off 21), five players scored in single digits in the rest of the innings, out of which three were ducks.

"First six overs, we played very well. After that, the momentum shifted as wickets fell. Our middle-order needs to step up. You need 2-3 good overs in the middle and in the death as well. England's bowling was very good. Hopefully, we don't do this in the World Cup," Babar Azam said after the match.

Watch: Babar Azam snaps at fans in England

England, chasing 158 made short work of the target, chasing it down in just 15.3 overs with7 wickets in hand. Phil Salt was the top scorer hitting 45 off 24, while captain Jos Buttler scored 39 off 21 balls.

Pakistan will now travel to USA and start their campaign against the co-hosts US on June 6. They play their first game at the Grand Prairie Stadium in Texas.