Simon Doull Gets Involved in Another Spat Over Babar Azam's Strike Rate

image-lfqj4c00Babar Azam's strike rate in T20s has always been a subject of intense discussion 

In what can only be described as a verbal slugfest, commentators Simon Doull and Aamer Sohail engaged in a fiery debate over Pakistan skipper Babar Azam's strike rate in T20 cricket. The heated exchange transpired amidst the second T20I match between Pakistan and Afghanistan, at the Sharjah Cricket Stadium.

Doull was quick to express his opinion that Babar Azam should not open for Pakistan in T20Is, suggesting that Saim Ayub and Mohammad Haris should open with Mohammad Rizwan instead. He claimed that the Pakistan skipper, being the best No. 3 batsman in the world, should not be subjected to opening for Pakistan.

"Babar Azam is hands down the best Number 3 batter in the world. He should not open for Pakistan. Saim and Haris should open with Rizwan in T20Is," Doull said.

Sohail, on the contrary, countered Doull's claim and made a vehement argument that T20 teams are chosen based on averages, not strike rates, highlighting that averages carry greater weight than strike rates in the selection process.

"The T20 teams are selected on the basis of averages and not strike rates. The averages are more important than strike rates," Sohail countered.

The former Pakistan captain, in an attempt to support his contention, proceeded to provide examples of Chris Gayle and AB De Villiers, considered two of the premier T20 players globally, and stated that they possess a comparably lower strike rate but a higher average.

The Kiwi cricketer, not one to be outdone, corrected Sohail on Gayle and De Villiers' strike rates, which only added fuel to the fire. He pointed out that Chris Gayle's strike rate is 158, and AB De Villiers' strike rate is 145.

The 56-year-old commentator from Pakistan then mentioned that AB De Villiers' strike rate is around 137, to which Doull responded by asking, "What's Babar's strike rate?" 

Sohail, avoiding the question, replied, "Last time I checked…" before concluding his point.

With both sides standing firm on their opinions, the heated exchange between Doull and Sohail only added to the intensity of the game, which saw Pakistan lose to Afghanistan by seven wickets. 

The Rashid Khan-led side chased down the measly target of 131 with seven wickets to spare. It is worth mentioning that this is the Afghans’ first series victory over Pakistan in any format of the game.