'Tortoise and Rabbit', Ashwin trolls Babar Azam’s slow fifty against New Zealand

Former Indian spinner Ravichandran Ashwin took to social media to mock Pakistan’s batter Babar Azam after his slow innings in the opening match of the ICC Champions Trophy against New Zealand.

Ashwin posted a message on 'X' highlighting the difference in playing styles between Babar Azam and Pakistan’s vice-captain Salman Ali Agha. As wickets fell at the other end, Babar anchored the innings, trying to build partnerships to stabilize Pakistan’s chase. However, his slow approach put pressure on the required run rate. Babar eventually departed after scoring 64 off 90 balls, while Salman played aggressively, scoring 42 off just 28 balls.

Ashwin compared Babar’s innings to the classic fable of "The Tortoise and the Rabbit," "Babar’s journey to 50, coupled with Salman Ali Agha’s batting, has to be the best depiction of 'The Tortoise and the Rabbit' story. #ChampionsTrophy The 50 I hope will come soon enough," he wrote on X. 

Pakistan, the defending champions, lost the tournament opener by 60 runs to New Zealand. Chasing 321 runs, Pakistan was bowled out for 260. Khushdil Shah was the top scorer with a quickfire 69 off 49 balls, followed by Babar’s 64.

New Zealand's Will Young and Tom Latham scored centuries, and Glenn Phillips added an explosive 61 off 39 balls, helping the Kiwis post a strong total.