Pakistan captain Babar Azam was at the receiving end of criticism after former India all-rounder Irfan Pathan took an indirect jibe at his slow-paced knock against the USA in the ongoing T20 World Cup. The co-hosts USA pulled off an early upset by defeating one of the tournament’s favourites Pakistan in a Super Over thriller.
Babar Azam shattered Virat Kohli’s T20I record in the T20 World Cup match between Pakistan and the USA. However, Babar Azam was trolled for his ‘Test match’ knock.
Babar Azam’s slow innings of 44 of 43 balls irks fans all round the world
With Pakistan suffering a mini-batting collapse in the powerplay against co-hosts United States of America (USA) on Thursday, premier batter Babar Azam steered the ship for the Green Army with his crucial knock in match No.11 of the ICC T20 World Cup 2024. The onus was on Babar Azam after USA bowlers reduced the 2009 champions to 26-3 in the powerplay. Putting up a fight for the Green Army in their T20 World Cup opener, Babar Azam not only top-scored for Pakistan but the superstar batter also shattered Virat Kohli’s T20I record.
Staging Pakistan’s fightback against the United States bowlers, Babar Azam played a crucial knock of 44 to help his side recover from a precarious position. Though Babar Azam scored the most runs for his side, the Pakistan skipper was trolled by fans for his ‘Test match’ knock. Taking to X, formerly known as Twitter, several fans lambasted Babar for scoring 44 off 43 balls in the T20I encounter. Babar Azam faced the wrath of the fans for batting at a strike rate of 102.33 against the co-hosts in Dallas.
However, Babar Azam surpassed Kohli to become the all-time leading run-getter in the history of T20I cricket. Babar Azam is the third batter to accumulate 4,000 runs in T20Is. The Pakistan skipper has 4067 runs in 120 matches while Kohli has scored 4038 runs in 118 games for the 2007 world champions. Former world no.1 batter Babar Azam smashed two sixes and three fours in his 43-ball 44 against the US. Babar Azam was dismissed by Jasdeep Singh in the 15th over of the Pakistani innings.
Former Indian skipper Irfan Pathan slammed the Pakistan skipper for his knock and felt that Babar Azam didn’t help his team’s cause.
Irfan Pathan lambasts Babar Azam for 44 off 43 balls in USA vs PAK T20 World Cup match
Former India cricketer Irfan Pathan took a dig at Pakistan captain Babar Azam for his poor strike rate against the USA in the T20 World Cup match in Dallas on Thursday (June 6). Pathan pointed out that Azam cannot afford to play 40+ balls with a 100-strike rate.
Babar scored 44 runs off 43 balls at a strike rate of 102.33, hitting two sixes and three boundaries. He was trapped leg before wicket by Jasdeep Singh in the 16th over. The right-hander was batting on six runs off 20 deliveries at one point in the innings.
Pathan wrote on X (formerly Twitter):
“On a fairly decent batting condition as a captain if you are playing 40+ ball inning with 100 strike rate. You aren’t helping your team cause.”
Babar Azam’s inability to rotate strike in the Powerplay was the main reason for Pakistan to score less versus USA on the better surface at Dallas.
Misbah -Ul-Haq gave advice to Babar Azam
Last month, former Pakistan captain Misbah-ul-Haq pointed out that Babar Azam needs to bat a higher strike rate. He asked Babar to take criticism as motivation and develop his power game. He told Star Sports:
“Hopefully, he will bat like that and when the team requires that sort of an innings from him. If an anchor role is required, then anchor it. But you have to be potentially ready to play at 160-170 or even a strike rate of 200 if the team needs it.”
“Outside noise does affect a player, but good players, who are mentally strong, top cricketers in the world, they take motivation from criticism. They write down those noises that yes, I have to answer them on the ground. Somehow, they take motivation from those voices and criticism,” Misbah added.
Babar recently scored 32 (26) and 36 (22) at strike rates of 123.08 and 163.64, respectively, against England in two T20Is. Overall, he has amassed 4,067 runs in 120 matches at a strike rate of 129.77.
Babar Azam will next be in action against India at Nassau County International Cricket Stadium in New York on June 9.