In the 18th match of the ODI World Cup 2023, Pakistan locked horns with five-time champions Australia at M Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru. In the high-scoring game, Australia batted first and posted a massive total of 367/9 in 50 overs. Despite being a massive scoring ground, Pakistan skipper Babar Azam failed to put up a show with the bat.
However, chasing a massive total The Pakistan opener looked comfortable as they scored 134 runs for the first wicket. Both Abdullah Shafique and Imam-Ul-Haq scored half-centuries, and the game looked under Pakistan’s control. Meanwhile, Marcus Stoinis dismissed both of them and changed the momentum of the game.
After their departure, Pakistan skipper Babar Azam came to bat and was required to bat long and take the game deep. However, Babar continued his poor form with the bat and was dismissed by Adam Zampa for a mere 18 runs. It’s worth noting that in his last four innings, Babar has scored just 83 runs at an average of 20.70. It includes a half-century against India too.
Is captaincy pressure reflecting on Babar Azam’s performance?
It’s worth noting that in the recently concluded Asia Cup 2023, Babar scored a terrific century against Nepal and started well in the tournament. However, in the next three innings against India, Bangladesh, and Sri Lanka, he scored just 56 runs at an average of 18.66. His poor performance with the bat was also reflected in his on-field decision-making abilities.
Going ahead in the prestigious tournament, the Pakistan Cricket Team and fans would want Babar Azam to score some runs and go well ahead in the game. After this game, Babar’s army will face new arch-rivals, Afghanistan, at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai on October 23. The game will once again be tough for Babar considering his previous performances.
Here is how fans react to Babar Azam’s performance:
Thanks gautam sir pic.twitter.com/6GMCdnfFaY
— Harsh (@harshthengineer) October 20, 2023
When it's a 350+ run chase le babar azam : pic.twitter.com/YEgFrM7CRG
— Avinash P (@avinashparmar97) October 20, 2023
Babar Azam isn’t having a good World Cup. #AUSvsPAK #CWC23
People thought being Indian flag pitches Babar will score more but they forgot to include Slow turning pitches as well.Babar is terrible against Spin Bowling, wow pic.twitter.com/tQcJ6oeQrz
— Sammy ? (@sammyX39) October 20, 2023
— Amit Shah (Parody) (@Motabhai012) October 20, 2023
Babar Azam dismissed for 18 from 14 balls pic.twitter.com/9iK2ibNbS3
— Mintu Dutta (@MNGamin65372627) October 20, 2023
Mere ? ka King ?? pic.twitter.com/2drTNPEVCK
— Groot ? (@IAmGrootX18) October 20, 2023
Not even close to Virat Kohli's nails…
— Extraa Cover (@ExtraaaCover) October 20, 2023
Well said Mufa: he knows only to blabber in press pic.twitter.com/BgfbVjbepe
— Johns (@JohnyBravo183) October 20, 2023
