Pakistan ODI captain Shaheen Afridi has come out in support of Babar Azam amid growing criticism over the star batter’s recent performances. With questions being raised about Babar Azam’s place in the team, Shaheen Afridi has made it clear that he continues to have full faith in his teammate.
Shaheen reminded everyone of Babar’s importance to Pakistan cricket and said the senior batter has everything needed to make a strong comeback. Earlier, Fakhar Zaman broke the silence as Pakistan equalled India’s historic 2002 Lord’s record.
Babar Azam faces massive backlash after another disappointing batting performance
Babar Azam has been struggling for runs. The former Pakistan captain managed only 97 runs in the recent Test series against England. His return to domestic first-class cricket was also disappointing, as he scored just 58 runs across four innings.
He was also dismissed for a five-ball duck in the ODI Tri-Series final, although the Men in Green managed to beat Sri Lanka by three wickets to lift the trophy on October 31. Babar scored 118 runs in five innings during the recently concluded ODI Tri-Series, featuring Pakistan, England, and Sri Lanka.
However, the former Pakistan captain failed to score a single half-century, finishing the tournament with an average of 23.60 and a strike rate of 74.21. His latest poor performances have increased the pressure on Babar, with several former Pakistan cricketers reportedly calling for his removal from the team.
There have also been rumours about differences within the Pakistan dressing room. Amid this, Mayank Yadav makes a comeback and proves he is different from Shoaib Akhtar and Shane Bond.
Shaheen Afridi backs Babar Azam amid growing questions
However, Shaheen Afridi has refused to lose faith in Babar. The Pakistan captain highlighted Babar’s experience and past performances, pointing out that he was Pakistan’s highest run-scorer in their previous ODI series <a href="https://cricket.international/simon-harmer-opens-up-on-his-emotional-journey-after-match-winning-performance-against-australia/” title=”Simon Harmer opens up on his emotional journey after match-winning performance against Australia”>against Australia.
Shaheen believes that one poor phase cannot take away everything Babar has achieved in international cricket. He is confident that the former Pakistan captain will find his form again.
Afridi said at the post-match press conference, “If you are talking about Babur, he knows his game, and I think in two days he is going for the first-class match, and it is his match against our team. So, he is absolutely clear about his game plan and how to play his cricket. Unfortunately, some aces were dismissed, but this is part of cricket, and he will bounce back.”
https://x.com/khelshel/status/2116590433002487858
Babar Azam set for blockbuster clash against Shaheen Afridi in Quaid-e-Azam Trophy
Babar would soon return to domestic cricket and play a first-class match in the Quaid-e-Azam Trophy. Interestingly, Babar’s next match will be against Shaheen’s team.
Lahore Whites will face the FATA Region in their opening match of the Quaid-e-Azam Trophy on November 3 at the Diamond Cricket Ground.
Lahore Whites’ match will be special, as Babar will come up against Shaheen Afridi, who will represent FATA. Babar is expected to play at least three matches for Lahore Whites. These games will give the star batter a good opportunity to regain his red-ball form.
Source: cricketaddictor.com
