Pakistan captain Babar Azam‘s batting performance in their shocking T20 World Cup defeat to the USA has come under scrutiny from cricket pundits. Former Indian all-rounder Irfan Pathan and veteran commentator Harsha Bhogle expressed their disappointment with Azam’s slow knock, suggesting it played a part in Pakistan’s unexpected loss.
Irfan Pathan Takes an Indirect Jibe
Playing on a less challenging surface compared to the one they faced in New York, Pakistan needed a strong start from their captain. However, Babar Azam struggled to score freely in the initial stages of his innings. According to reports, he managed only nine runs off his first 23 deliveries, raising concerns about his batting approach.
While Babar eventually accelerated his scoring rate after seemingly adjusting to the pitch, it wasn’t enough to appease the critics. He managed to reach 44 runs before being dismissed by Jessy Singh, but his knock included 43 balls faced, resulting in a strike rate of just over 100.
Taking to social media platform [X], Irfan Pathan took an indirect swipe at Azam’s batting strategy. “On a fairly decent batting condition as a captain if you are playing a 40+ ball inning with a 100 strike rate. You aren’t helping your team cause,” wrote Pathan, implying that a more aggressive approach from the skipper might have benefitted Pakistan.
Harsha Bhogle Feels Azam Looked Out of Rhythm
Harsha Bhogle echoed Pathan’s sentiment, expressing his surprise at Azam’s performance. “I have seen Babar Azam play many fine innings. This 44(43) won’t be among them. On a decent surface, he looked strangely out of rhythm,” Bhogle wrote on his social media platform [X].
It’s important to note that Pakistan’s defeat wasn’t solely due to Babar Azam’s batting. Recapping the match, Pakistan managed a below-par score of 159/7, with Shaheen Afridi providing a late boost with some big hits. The USA batters, led by a strong partnership between Andries Gous and Monank Patel, looked on track for victory. However, Pakistan’s pace attack staged a comeback, restricting the run flow and creating pressure. A final-ball boundary by Nitish Kumar forced the match into a Super Over.
Pakistan entrusted the crucial Super Over to Mohammad Amir, hoping to repeat his success from the previous over. Unfortunately, Amir’s performance was a stark contrast. He struggled with his lines, bowled wides, and conceded a costly 18 runs. In reply, Pakistan’s batting failed to cope with the pressure, collapsing to 13/1 and handing the USA a historic victory by 5 runs.
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