Babar Azam faced heavy criticism for his slow batting in Pakistan’s 60-run defeat to New Zealand in the Champions Trophy 2025 opener on February 20, 2025. Chasing 321, Pakistan crumbled to 22/2 in the first 10 overs.
Babar’s 64 off 90 balls drew flak from fans and experts, including a witty jab from legend Wasim Akram.
On Sports Central’s post-match show, Akram mocked Babar’s innings with a classic joke. He recalled advising Babar to play long, ignoring the strike rate. “It’s like a man cursing after a fight with his wife, saying, ‘I want to die,’” Akram quipped. “God takes it seriously, and the man protests, ‘I was joking!’ I was kidding, too—why did Babar take it so seriously?” The studio erupted in laughter.
Babar’s Slow Knock Breakdown
Babar’s strike rate of 61.7—50 off 81 balls—stifled Pakistan’s chase. After losing Saud Shakeel and Mohammad Rizwan early, the team needed aggression. Instead, Babar went 16 overs (16th to 32nd) without a boundary. Experts slammed his lack of intent in a high-pressure situation.
Akram didn’t hold back. “In our culture, we shield players like kids,” he said. “But Babar and Rizwan are our best. If there were better options, they’d be playing.” He stressed the need for seasoned batters to step up.
Middle-order fireworks from Salman Ali Agha (42 off 28) and Khushdil Shah (69 off 49) lifted Pakistan’s total. Yet, the early damage and Babar’s sluggish pace sealed their fate. They finished well short of 321.
Pakistan will now face India in Dubai on February 23. Can Babar boost his strike rate and silence critics after this shaky start? The stakes are high.
