Rawalpindi is abuzz as Pakistan aims for a clean sweep in the third and final T20 International against Sri Lanka today, October 13, 2026. However, a significant absentee from the lineup is former captain and batting stalwart, Babar Azam, whose exclusion continues to be a major talking point in Pakistani cricket circles.
The decision to rest the prolific right-hander comes after a strategic shift by the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) to inject fresh talent and a more aggressive approach into the T20I squad.
Babar Azam’s Omission: The Rationale
Babar Azam’s absence from the ongoing three-match T20I series against Sri Lanka is a direct consequence of his subdued performance in the ICC T20 World Cup 2026 earlier this year, which was co-hosted by India and Sri Lanka from February 7 to March 8, 2026. During the tournament, Azam managed only 91 runs across six matches, striking at a rate of 112.34, figures considered below expectations for a top-order batter in the modern T20 game. His struggles even led to him being benched for Pakistan’s crucial Super Eight fixture against Sri Lanka in February. Pakistan ultimately won that T20 World Cup match against Sri Lanka by 5 runs.
Match Details and Series Status
Today’s match, the 3rd T20I of the Sri Lanka in Pakistan, 3 T20I Series, 2026, is scheduled to commence at 6:00 PM PKT (Pakistan Standard Time) at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium. Pakistan has already secured an unassailable 2-0 lead in the series, having won the first T20I by four wickets and the second by a dominant 82 runs.
Series Fixtures & Results
| Match | Date | Venue | Result |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1st T20I | October 9, 2026 | Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium | Pakistan won by 4 wickets |
| 2nd T20I | October 11, 2026 | Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium | Pakistan won by 82 runs |
| 3rd T20I | October 13, 2026 | Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium | Match in progress |
New Leadership and Emerging Talent
In Babar Azam’s absence, Sahibzada Farhan has taken the reins as captain for the T20I side. Farhan has led from the front, delivering impressive performances with the bat, including 73 in the second T20I. Other young talents, such as Maaz Sadaqat, born on May 15, 2005, who blazed 96 off just 51 balls in the second T20I, are also seizing their opportunities. The current squad features a blend of youth and experience, with players like Fakhar Zaman, Shadab Khan, and Naseem Shah providing crucial support to the burgeoning new generation .
Head-to-Head & Recent Form
Prior to this series, Pakistan held a 19-12 edge over Sri Lanka in T20Is. With their two victories in this series, Pakistan has further extended their dominance, now leading 21-12 in T20I encounters. The current series has seen Pakistan play with a renewed aggressive mindset, evident in their record-breaking total of 215/3 in the second T20I, their highest on home soil.
Babar Azam’s exclusion marks a pivotal moment for Pakistan cricket as they continue to refine their T20 strategy ahead of future major tournaments. While his contributions are undeniable, the focus remains on building a robust and dynamic squad capable of consistent performances in the shortest format of the game.