Babar Azam criticism has reached new heights after Pakistan’s crushing 60-run defeat against New Zealand in the Champions Trophy 2025. Following a lackluster batting performance, fans and former cricketers have questioned his approach in the high-stakes match.
Babar Azam Criticism: What Went Wrong?
Pakistan faced a daunting target of 321 runs after their bowlers struggled to contain New Zealand, conceding 320/5 in 50 overs. The pressure was on experienced players like Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan to anchor the chase. However, Pakistan’s innings got off to a sluggish start, managing just 22/2 in the first 10 overs.
Babar Azam, expected to lead from the front, played an unusually slow knock, scoring 12 runs off 27 balls in the powerplay. His approach put additional pressure on the middle order, leading to Pakistan’s downfall.
“Cricket is a team game, but the approach has to be right. Strike rotation and intent are crucial in modern-day chases.” — Former Pakistan Cricketer
Statistical Breakdown of Pakistan’s Struggles
- 10 overs: Pakistan 22/2 (Babar Azam 12* off 27 balls)
- 15 overs: Pakistan 49/2 (Babar Azam 22* off 37 balls)
- 20 overs: Pakistan 66/2 (Run rate struggling at 3.3 per over)
- Momentum Shift: The scoring rate only improved when Salman Agha entered the crease.
Former Players React to Babar Azam’s Performance
Several former Pakistan cricketers criticized Babar Azam’s slow innings, pointing out that his cautious approach harmed the team’s chances.
“The nation comes first. Personal milestones do not matter when the team is struggling to chase a big total.”
This statement reflects growing frustration among fans and analysts who believe that Babar’s batting lacked urgency. Many have labeled his innings as a major contributing factor to Pakistan’s defeat.
Why Is This a Major Talking Point?
- Leadership Questions: As captain, Babar Azam’s intent and decision-making set the tone for the team.
- Scoring Rate Concerns: In modern-day cricket, slow starts can cripple a chase, especially against strong opponents.
- Public Reaction: Social media exploded with mixed opinions, with some supporting Babar while others demanded a change in leadership.
Is Babar Azam’s Approach Sustainable?
While Babar Azam remains one of Pakistan’s most technically gifted batters, his strike rate in crucial chases has come under scrutiny. Experts suggest that:
- He needs to adapt to different match situations.
- He should rotate the strike more efficiently.
- He must display more aggressive intent in powerplays.
Final Thoughts
The Babar Azam criticism following the Champions Trophy 2025 loss has raised important questions about Pakistan’s approach in high-pressure games. While Babar remains a key player, he must adjust his batting strategy to suit modern cricket demands. The upcoming matches will be crucial in determining how he responds to this backlash.
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