[Watch] Babar Azam Departs For A 3-Ball Duck Against Afghanistan
Babar Azam scored 0 from three balls [Source: 'X']
With a format change comes a change in fortunes as well. Pakistan's skipper Babar Azam, who had been in red-hot form in Lanka Premier League (LPL) 2023, failed to showcase his class against Afghanistan in the ongoing first of the three One-Day Internationals (ODI) at Hambantota.
Fakhar Zaman along with Imam-Ul-Haq opened the batting for Pakistan after captain Azam opted to bat first. Zaman's stay lasted just four balls before the skipper found himself in the thick of things.
Just two deliveries old, Azam faced Mujeeb Ur Rehman in the second over, where the off-spinner displayed his class. The 28-year-old misjudged Rehman and played down the wrong line, only to miss the ball completed and be dismissed leg-before.
Although Azam requested a DRS, the decision was not reversed because the ball was found to be hitting the middle and leg stump.
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Azam's troubles against spinners are well-knowing lately, having been toyed with by Prabath Jayasuriya in the recent Test series against Sri Lanka.
Interestingly, this was Azam's fourth duck in ODI cricket, having scored zero against England in 2021, and twice against New Zealand in 2018.
As of writing, Haq and Agha Salman are steering Pakistan's ship, who are in trouble at 46 for 3 in 10 overs. Mujeeb claimed the crucial wicket of Mohammad Rizwan, who looked well-set on 21 off 22.
The second ODI will take place at the same venue on August 24.
 "Vishal Mehra")
