Babar Azam's biggest threats: SA bowlers who could torment PAK ace in Test series

Threats for Babar Azam [Source: AFP Photo]

The stage is set for a riveting battle as Pakistan will take on the reigning WTC champions, South Africa, in a two-match Test series starting on October 12. Pakistan finished last in the points tally in the previous WTC cycle, and will be aiming to start the campaign with a resounding win over the Proteas.

After a long time, star batter Babar Azam will don the Pakistan jersey, but he will be under tremendous pressure to perform as the batter was recently dropped from the T20Is, and could face a Test axe if his performances don’t improve.

Beating the South African side won’t be a cakewalk, and Babar will face threats in the form of the Proteas attack. Specifically, he needs to be wary of two opposition bowlers, who could take his wicket.

Threats for Babar in South Africa Tests

While Babar has a classy Test match technique, he has a glaring weakness in his armour and two South African bowlers, Marco Jansen and Senuran Muthusamy. With no Keshav Maharaj in the first Test, Muthusamy will hold the fortress as the left-arm spin bowler to trouble Babar. 

Babar's Test record against left-arm spinners

(Babar Azam against left-arm bowlers)

• As the data suggests, Babar has scored 1149 runs against the left-arm bowlers in Test cricket, but at the same time, he has been dismissed 27 times against them. In fact, in 2025, the right-handed batter has an average of a mere 23 against them, with four dismissals already.

Babar's poor record against Jansen

Perhaps, his biggest threat would be the lanky Proteas pacer, Marco Jansen. The South African has a brilliant record against Babar in Tests, and could be his biggest threat.

(Babar vs Jansen)

• In Test match cricket, Babar has struggled against Jansen and history tells the entire story. He has been dismissed twice, with an average of just 13, and once again, he’ll be the biggest threat for Babar in Tests, alongside Muthusamy

Why Babar struggles against left-arm bowlers

• A right-handed batter against a left-arm bowler is always an interesting battle since the left-armer has the ability to bring the ball back into the pads, and the batter doesn’t like it. This is a trait that Jansen possesses as he will bowl two outswingers, and will suddenly get the ball back in to trap the batter.
• Moreover, against left-arm spinners, Babar has a timid approach, as he only plays from the crease and this allows the left-arm spinner to drift one into him and get him lbw. This is something, Muthusamy will try.

Conclusion

With pitches likely to be spin friendly, Muthuswamy will come into action and Babar needs to be wary of him. Similarly, Jansen is another big threat for Babar, and if he could nullify it, the star player will score truckloads of runs.

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