Pakistan cricket legend Wasim Akram recently engaged in a hypothetical scenario, discussing his bowling plans against modern-era star Babar Azam. The conversation arose during a fan interaction on a sports show, where Akram compared Babar to the likes of Sachin Tendulkar and Brian Lara in terms of batting technique.
Akram praised Babar’s exceptional batting abilities, noting that like Tendulkar and Lara, Babar plays proper cricketing shots, making it challenging to dismiss him, especially in limited-overs cricket. Akram hinted that his approach to bowling to Babar would be similar to his tactics against Tendulkar and Lara, emphasizing the importance of starting with attacking lines to test the batsman’s comfort on a particular pitch.
“Babar is a very good player. He is among the three best batters in the world right now and he plays proper cricketing shots. Had he been a pinch hitter, then the bowler would know that he has a chance to get him out. But Babar…for players like Brian Lara and Sachin Tendulkar, it was difficult to bowl to them because they play good shots against good deliveries and hence gives you lesser opportunities to dismiss them,” Akram said.
“These are technically-good batters. But yes, bowl attacking lines in the first few overs just to check whether they are set on that particular track,” he added.
Babar Azam, currently leading Peshawar Zalmi in the ongoing Pakistan Super League (PSL) 2024 season, has been in outstanding form. He leads the run-scoring charts with 330 runs in just five matches, boasting an impressive average of 82.5 and a strike rate of 151.37. His stellar performance includes a remarkable unbeaten century scored off 63 balls against Islamabad United, along with two half-centuries.
Despite Babar’s exceptional form, Peshawar Zalmi sits third in the PSL points table, with three wins from six matches. The team had a slow start, losing their opening two matches before securing three consecutive victories. However, their last match against Lahore Qalandars was abandoned due to rain. Babar and his team are set to face Islamabad United in their next match at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium on March 4.
Akram’s insights into bowling strategies against top-order batters like Babar Azam provide fans with a fascinating glimpse into the mindset of a cricketing legend. As Babar continues to shine in the PSL and beyond, his ability to tackle challenges from the best bowlers in the world will undoubtedly be tested, showcasing the true essence of cricketing battles across generations.
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