Even after reaching his half-century in 80 balls, Babar failed to accelerate
20 February, 2025
PHOTO: AFP
Pakistan’s ICC Champions Trophy 2025 campaign started with a disappointing defeat against New Zealand, and Babar Azam’s slow batting has become a major talking point. Former cricketer Basit Ali strongly criticized Babar’s approach, questioning whether he was playing for himself or the team.
Babar scored 64 runs off 90 balls while chasing a target of 321. His knock was unusually slow, and he struggled to rotate the strike. Despite opening the innings with Saud Shakeel, Babar couldn’t put pressure on the bowlers, and Pakistan managed just 22 runs in the first 10 overs.
Even after reaching his half-century in 80 balls, Babar failed to accelerate. His innings ended in the 34th over when he top-edged a sweep against Mitchell Santner and was caught inside the circle by Kane Williamson.
After the match, Basit Ali did not hold back in criticizing Babar’s performance. Speaking on a local news channel, he questioned Babar’s priorities and accused him of playing for personal milestones instead of the team.
He said, “Babar Azam scored his fifty in 80 balls, he scored 64 runs in 90 balls. Was he playing for himself or for the country? Is Babar Azam more important than Pakistan (Mulk Pehle ya Babar Azam)? Who will ask Babar about this performance?”
New Zealand took full advantage of Pakistan’s poor batting display and secured a 60-run win. Batting first, the Kiwis posted a strong total of 320/5, thanks to centuries from Will Young and Tom Latham.
In response, Pakistan were bowled out for 260 in 47.4 overs. While Babar struggled, Khushdil Shah impressed with a quickfire 69 off 49 balls, but it wasn’t enough. Mitchell Santner and Will O’Rourke picked up three wickets each, sealing a comfortable victory for New Zealand.
Pakistan will now have to improve their performance in the upcoming matches to keep their semi-final hopes alive.
