Akram said that Babar, as the team’s main batter, should have played with more intent instead of scoring at a slow pace
20 February, 2025
.jpg)
PHOTO: ICC
Former Pakistan captain Wasim Akram has strongly criticized Babar Azam’s slow batting in Pakistan’s first match of the ICC Champions Trophy 2025, saying that such an approach is outdated in modern cricket.
Speaking on a sports show, Akram said that Babar, as the team’s main batter, should have played with more intent instead of scoring at a slow pace.
“I don’t want 60 off 90 balls from my main player. I’d rather have him getting 35 off 30 balls and get out instead of getting 64 off 90 balls. It’s not on in this day and age,” Akram said.
He also pointed out that Salman Ali Agha was the one taking risks, even though Babar was the set batter. “Babar was the set batter but it was Salman who was taking the risk,” he added.
Pakistan lost their opening match against New Zealand by 60 runs at the National Bank Stadium in Karachi. New Zealand set a big total of 320/5, thanks to centuries from Will Young and Tom Latham.
Pakistan’s chase started poorly, with the team managing only 22 runs in the first 10 overs. Fakhar Zaman’s injury forced a change in the batting order, with Babar opening alongside Saud Shakeel. However, the new pair failed to provide momentum, and Pakistan lost two wickets early.
Babar scored 64 runs off 90 balls at a strike rate of 71.11 before getting out to Mitchell Santner in the 34th over. His slow innings put pressure on the rest of the batters, and Pakistan eventually got bowled out for 260 in 47.2 overs.
Pakistan’s white-ball captain Mohammad Rizwan admitted that the team lost momentum at key moments, both at the end of New Zealand’s innings and during their own powerplay. He also said that Fakhar Zaman’s injury disrupted their plans.
Meanwhile, Babar’s recent dip in form has also affected his ICC rankings. He lost his No. 1 spot in the ODI rankings to India’s Shubman Gill after the tri-series against South Africa and New Zealand.
With this defeat, Pakistan now faces a must-win match against India on February 23 at the Dubai International Stadium. The high-pressure encounter will be crucial for Pakistan’s chances in the tournament.
