Babar Azam scored 64 off 90 balls in Pakistan's run-chase of 321 runs. His slow knock was criticized by the former Pakistan cricketers and Basit Ali left no stone unturned in questioning the intent of the star batter.
Also read: ICC Champions Trophy 2025: Revealed - How can Pakistan qualify for semi-finals after loss to New Zealand
The former Pakistan batter even argued that Babar is more important than the whole country since his slow knock didn't do any good to Pakistan and even pushed them back in the game further.
Basit Ali said "Babar Azam scored his fifty in 80 balls, he scored 64 runs in 90 balls. Was he playing for himself or for the country? Is Babar more important than Pakistan? Who will ask Babar about this performance? ???? #ChampionsTrophy2025 pic.twitter.com/22Q1ekHnXu
— Farid Khan (@_FaridKhan) February 20, 2025
Unusual knock from Babar Azam
It was an unusual knock from Babar as he struggled for most part of the innings. He came in to open the innings with Saud Shakeel and despite trying to show intent, he never troubled the New Zealand bowlers.
The 30-year-old reached his fifty off 64 balls. After reaching his half-century, it seemed like Babar would accelerate. But some tight bowling from the opposition didn't allow him to free his arms.
New Zealand start with a win
New Zealand, meanwhile, started its Champions Trophy campaign on a positive note by thrashing the hosts Pakistan by 60 runs. Batting first, the Kiwis scored 320-5 on the back of brilliant hundreds from Will Young and Tom Latham.
In reply, Pakistan were bundled out for just 260 with more than two overs to spare. Babar scored 64 while Khushdil Shah top-scored with a brilliant 69 off 49 balls. Mitchell Santner and Will O'Rourke picked up three wickets each for New Zealand.
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