Colombo, Feb. 20 -- Pakistan head coach Mike Hesson has addressed questions about Babar Azam batting at number four in T20 matches, despite the star batter's history of opening the innings in various leagues and formats.

During the pre-match press conference ahead of the Super Eight clash against New Zealand, Hesson explained that the team's strategy and current needs have dictated Babar's role in the middle order.

Babar Azam is having a poor campaign in the ongoing T20 World Cup. The right-handed batter has made 66 runs in four matches at a dismal average of 22 and a strike rate of 115.78.

"Babar is well aware of that. I think he's well aware strike rate in the power play in World Cups is less than 100 in T20s. So clearly, that's not ...