Phil Salt’s explosive 89 vs Ireland not only powered England to victory but also exposed Babar Azam’s limited six-hitting ability in T20Is. A closer look at the numbers and the contrast in styles.

England opener Phil Salt continued his sensational run in T20 Internationals, lighting up the first T20I against Ireland with a powerful knock of 89 off just 46 deliveries. The explosive innings not only helped England chase down a daunting 197-run target in just 17.4 overs but also reignited comparisons with Pakistan’s Babar Azam — specifically exposing the stark contrast in six-hitting prowess between the two batters.

Phil Salt’s Power Game Shines Again

In the match played in Dublin, Salt showcased yet another masterclass in aggressive T20 batting. His blistering innings included 10 boundaries and four towering sixes, making light work of what was expected to be a competitive total from Ireland. This remarkable effort comes just days after his 144-run demolition of South Africa, further cementing his place among the most dangerous openers in T20 cricket.

Phil Salt’s T20I numbers are staggering. In just 43 innings, he has scored 1423 runs at a phenomenal strike rate of 170.82, the highest among batters from full member nations who have scored over 1000 runs. His six tally? 73 maximums — an impressive number considering his limited international experience so far.

Babar Azam’s Six-Hitting Struggles in the Spotlight

What makes Salt’s performance even more notable is the indirect spotlight it puts on Babar Azam. The former Pakistan captain, often lauded for his elegant stroke play and consistency, has also hit 73 sixes in his T20I career — but across a span of 128 matches. In comparison, Salt has matched this feat in just one-third of the games.

This statistic underscores a persistent criticism of Babar Azam’s game in the shortest format — his lack of intent or ability to clear the ropes consistently. While his T20I average remains solid, his strike rate and six-hitting frequency have often been viewed as below-par, especially in today’s power-dominated T20 era.

While Babar remains one of Pakistan’s premier batters, the evolution of T20 cricket demands more aggressive styles, particularly from top-order players. The comparison with Salt only highlights the growing gap between classic consistency and modern power-hitting.

ENG vs IRE 1st T20I – Match Summary

Ireland batted first in the opening T20I and put up a strong total of 196/3, thanks to half-centuries from Harry Tector and Lorcan Tucker. The hosts looked to be in a commanding position at the halfway mark.

However, England had other plans. Led by Phil Salt’s fireworks at the top, England chased down the target with ease, finishing the game in just 17.4 overs. Supporting contributions from the middle order ensured there were no hiccups in what turned out to be a dominant victory.

Comparing Phil Salt and Babar Azam’s stats after 73 sixes in T20Is

Final Thoughts

Phil Salt’s explosive performances are quickly redefining what’s expected from modern T20 openers. His rapid six-hitting ability and high strike rate are setting new standards. At the same time, players like Babar Azam — despite their undeniable talent — are facing increasing scrutiny for not evolving quickly enough with the demands of the format.

As T20 cricket continues to grow faster and more boundary-heavy, this new generation of power-hitters like Salt may soon become the gold standard leaving behind the more traditional anchors who fail to adapt.