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Babar Azam Puts Asia Cup Selection In Doubt As Seales Castles Him For A Duck In 2nd ODI

Debashis Sarangi

Babar Azam was cleaned up for a duck [Source: WIcricketYouTube]Babar Azam was cleaned up for a duck [Source: WIcricketYouTube]

Experienced Pakistan batter Babar Azam had a forgettable outing in the second ODI against the West Indies as he was cleaned up for a three-ball duck. Coming in at number three, Babar was dismissed by an absolute ripper from Jayden Seales before he could open his account. 

Babar Azam Departs For A Duck In 2nd ODI vs WI

The incident occurred during the ninth over of Pakistan's innings after the hosts put them into bat first. West Indies' in-form fast bowler Jayden Seales drew the first blood for his side, as Saim Ayub's dismissal brought Babar Azam into the middle. 

Considering his reputation and potential to anchor the innings, Babar was expected to play a crucial role for Pakistan in this match. However, after negotiating two deliveries from Seales, Babar fell prey to the final ball of the over, with Seales knocking over his off stump. 

From over the wicket, Seales bowled a slightly fuller delivery around the off and middle stump, which straightened off the wicket, leaving Babar Azam outfoxed. As the batter went for a half-hearted shot, the ball beat him on his outside edge, rattling his off stump. 

Thus, Babar was forced to walk back to the dugout for a duck, and skipper Mohammad Rizwan replaced him in the middle. 

Questions Could Be Raised Over Babar Azam's Asia Cup Selection

Several reports have suggested that Babar Azam might make his T20I comeback for the Asia Cup scheduled for next month. However, the PCB is expected to make the call only after assessing his performance in the ongoing ODI series. 

Meanwhile, Babar hasn't been close to his best in the series so far. He struck 47 runs at a mediocre strike rate of 73.44 in the opening game before following it up with a duck in the second match. Therefore, it won't be wrong to infer that his abysmal returns in the West Indies series have pretty much shut the door for his Asia Cup selection.