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Babar Azam's Strike Rate Under Scrutiny, Misbah-ul-Haq Offers Advice For Improvement

image-lejn8e8xBabar's team loss yet another game [Twitter]

Pakistan's cricket fraternity is abuzz with discussions about the strike rate of the Peshawar Zalmi skipper, Babar Azam, in the ongoing Pakistan Super League (PSL). Despite producing impressive performances and remaining unbeaten on 75 off 58 deliveries during his team's match against Islamabad United, the elegant batter's strike rate has become a talking point, especially during the middle overs of the game when his side faced a batting collapse.

During the post-match press conference, a reporter asked Babar about his strike rate, to which he initially responded sharply, but later explained that he had to lower his scoring rate to build a partnership with his teammate.

However, former Pakistan captain Misbah-ul-Haq has suggested that while Babar starts innings strongly, he needs to finish them aggressively as well, highlighting the importance of timing and exploiting the vacant areas on the field.

While speaking to Samaa TV, Misbah drew comparisons with Indian cricketers Virat Kohli and Suryakumar Yadav, emphasizing that the Pakistan captain needs to find his own way to put the bowlers under pressure.

The Pakistan veteran also stressed the importance of playing to one's strengths, instead of copying players like Kieron Pollard, and using one's timing to chase 15-20 runs in the last few overs of a T20 innings.

Misbah stated that if you compare Babar's performance in the last few overs with that of Virat Kohli or even Mohammad Rizwan, there is a difference of 20 runs that can be made on one's own. However, the former cricketer added that Babar is a world-class batter and he has the potential to do that.

In conclusion, Misbah's suggestion is for the 28-year-old to work on his timing and explore the vacant areas on the field to become a dangerous T20 batsman. Babar’s potential is unquestionable, and if he can incorporate Misbah's advice, he will undoubtedly become a more formidable batsman in the shortest format of the game.