![Saim Ayub and Babar Azam [Source: @CricCrazyJohns/x]](https://onecricketnews.akamaized.net/parth-editor/oc-dashboard/news-images-prod/1772286516662_SaimAyubandBabarAzam.jpg?type=hq)
Saim Ayub and Babar Azam [Source: @CricCrazyJohns/x]
Babar Azam and Saim Ayub have been dropped from the Pakistan team for their final Super 8 match against Sri Lanka on Saturday, February 28. The two top-order batters were excluded from the playing XI on a trail of some underwhelming returns with the bat in the ongoing 2026 ICC Men’s T20 World Cup.
With Pakistan team management taking such a drastic call ahead of their must-win match, the occasion also sparked a brutal meme-fest on social media by several Pakistan and Indian fans. While several fans defended Pakistan team’s decision, a handful of others roasted the two struggling batters for their dismal campaign in Sri Lanka.
Also Read- Umar Akmal Reveals 'Real Intention' After Trolling Babar Azam Amid T20 World Cup
Babar Azam and Saim Ayub trolled for lackluster T20 World Cup
At the toss, Pakistan captain Salman Agha confirmed the team management’s huge decision of dropping senior batter Babar Azam and blistering opener Saim Ayub from the playing XI. The two cricketers were replaced by Khawaja Nafay and Naseem Shah respectively as Pakistan places its final bet for acquiring a spot in the semifinals of the 2026 ICC Men’s T20 World Cup.
As one can expect, a legion of Pakistan fans, barring a few, supported the decision of making the tough call at a crucial juncture in the tournament. Indian fans also joined the bandwagon and brutally roasted Babar Azam and Saim Ayub with hilarious memes on social media. Here is a look at some of the fans reacting to the news of Babar and Saim’s latest demotion.
A World Cup to forget for Babar Azam and Saim Ayub
Compatible to fans’ overwhelming support for the Pakistan team management, Babar Azam and Saim Ayub have indeed struggled to put together a notable innings this 2026 ICC Men’s T20 World Cup. Across their nine innings combined, none of the two top-order batters have managed to conjure a single half-century.
Babar has listed just 91 runs in the tournament from four innings at a dismal average of 22.75. He has also been demoted down the batting order, and could not even bat in the game against Namibia in Colombo on February 18.
Saim Ayub has also charted just 70 runs in five innings at an average of 14.
Pakistan makes three changes for must-win match vs Sri Lanka
Overall, Pakistan captain Salman Agha confirmed at the toss that the team has made three changes to its playing XI for the Super 8 match against Sri Lanka. While Babar Azam and Saim Ayub were replaced by Khawaja Nafay and fast bowler Naseem Ahmed; Abrar Ahmed will be returning to the XI at an expense of Salman Mirza.
The match marks a must-win one for the Pakistan team in a bid to secure a place in the semifinals of the 2026 ICC Men’s T20 World Cup. However, the ‘Men in Green’ will be required to defeat Sri Lanka by at least 64 runs, or chase down a target in 13.1 overs or lesser for their NRR to go past that of New Zealand.
Also Read- ZIM vs SA Head To Head Records- Super 8, ICC T20 World Cup 2026
