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[Watch] Babar Azam Left Stunned As Duffy Exposes His Weakness With A Lethal Ball

Soumyajit Dutta

Babar Azam dismissal [Source: @kuchnahi123@12345678]Babar Azam dismissal [Source: @kuchnahi123@12345678]

Pakistan's chase of 293 in the second ODI against New Zealand got off to a disastrous start as the top order collapsed under relentless pressure from the Kiwi pacers. The visitors found themselves in deep trouble at 32/5 after 11.4 overs, with Babar Azam among the early casualties.

The former Pakistan skipper departed for just 1 in the fourth over, dealing a severe blow to the team's chances. His dismissal came just four balls after Imam-ul-Haq fell, leaving Pakistan reeling at 7/2.

Babar Azam’s Dismissal Puts Pakistan In Deep Trouble!

Jacob Duffy produced a brilliant delivery to remove Babar Azam. Bowling at 135.1 kph, Duffy pitched a back-of-a-length ball outside off stump, which jagged away sharply. 

Babar, looking to defend off the back foot, poked at the delivery but failed to read the movement. The ball took a faint edge and went straight into the hands of Henry Nicholls at second slip.

With Babar Azam’s early exit, New Zealand tightened their grip on the game, having picked up two wickets in four balls. The hosts continued to dominate as Pakistan’s top order crumbled under pressure.

New Zealand Post Competitive Total Early

Earlier in the match, New Zealand put up a solid total of 292/8 in 50 overs, thanks to a stunning unbeaten 99 from Mitchell Hay. The middle-order batter took charge in the latter half of the innings, smashing seven sixes and seven fours in his 78-ball knock.

Rhys Mariu (18), Nick Kelly (31), and Henry Nicholls (22) provided starts, but Pakistan’s bowlers kept striking at regular intervals. Sufiyan Muqeem was the pick of the bowlers, finishing with figures of 2/33 in his 10 overs. Mohammad Wasim Jr also took two wickets, while Faheem Ashraf, Akif Javed, and Haris Rauf chipped in with one each.

At the time of writing, Pakistan is struggling at 32/5 after 11.4 overs, needing a monumental effort to stage a comeback in the match.