'Can Somebody Tell Babar...' - South African Legend Trolls Babar Azam

image-lojzmkhsBabar Azam congratulates Fakhar Zaman for his 63-ball ton vs NZ (AP)

Pakistan bowlers ended up conceding over 400 runs against New Zealand in their must-win World Cup 2023 match in Bengaluru. Three of their frontline speedsters, namely Shaheen Afridi, Haris Rauf and Hasan Ali conceded more than 80 runs in their 10-overs spells, as New Zealand batters amassed their highest-ever World Cup total in their high-profile showdown.

As it turned out, despite chasing a colossal 402-run target, Pakistan captain Babar Azam maintained a strike-rate of just 92 in the first 21 overs of the run-chase. His partner Fakhar Zaman did all the heavy-lifting by listing a 63-ball ton, as the duo shared an unbroken 154-run partnership for the second wicket until rains halted play at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium.

Former South African opener Herschelle Gibbs, who orchestrated the highest successful run-chase in ODI history during his playing days, recently mocked Babar for showing lack of intent in the Pakistani innings.


Gibbs mocks Babar, says PAK skipper needs a reminder

At a time when rains had halted play between Pakistan and New Zealand, former South African cricketer Herschelle Gibbs trolled the ‘Men in Green’ skipper by sharing a hilarious post on X (formerly Twitter). The legendary opener jokingly urged someone to remind Babar that Pakistan is chasing a target of over 400 runs in Bengaluru, considering his lack of intent will not do his side any favours in their must-win game.

Babar Azam, batting at number three, arrived to the crease following the conclusion of the second over of the innings, after opening batsman Abdullah Shafique was dismissed by Tim Southee.

By the time of rain interruption, the Pakistan captain reached 47* from 51 balls, holding a strike-rate of just 92.15 in an innings where his side’s asking rate ranged over 8 runs per over. His partner Fakhar Zaman, on the other hand, raced to a 63-ball century and held a strike-rate of over 153 around the same stage.