Fans troll Babar Azam [Source: @AtifAli56056184/X.com]
The first One-Day International (ODI) of the three-match series between Pakistan and Australia kicked off at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) on October 4. Australia won the toss and elected to field, a decision that quickly proved effective. Pakistan lost two early wickets as openers Abdullah Shafique and debutant Saim Ayub fell for just one run each, putting the team in a tough spot right at the start.
Babar Azam, Pakistan’s star batter, came in at number three, aiming to stabilise the innings and build a respectable total. He looked sharp, scoring a brisk 37 runs off 44 balls, including four boundaries. However, just when he thought to score big and prove his mettle, he was removed by Australian star spinner Adam Zampa.
In the 18th over of the match, Zampa delivered length ball that stayed low and the it surprised Babar as he failed to get his bat down in time. The ball rattled his off-stump, cutting his innings short and ignited a fresh debate among fans and analysts.
Babar's dismissal led to a wave of trolling on social media, with fans criticising his failure to convert his good start into a substantial score. Many fans expressed disappointment, pointing out that Babar, who was recently dropped from the final two matches of the Test series against England due to lacklustre performances, had another opportunity here to prove himself. Critics advised Babar to improve his approach, while some even questioned his form in the ongoing ODI series.
Australia Leave Pakistan Tattering In 1st ODI
After Babar’s departure, Pakistan’s struggles continued. Kamran Ghulam was the next to fall, caught by Josh Inglis off a delivery from Australian captain Pat Cummins for just five runs. Shortly after, Agha Salman also fell, becoming the fifth Pakistani wicket. With half the team back in the pavilion, it was Mohammad Rizwan who stood as the lone fighter, trying to rebuild Pakistan’s innings against a dominant Australian side.