(Image Source: AP)
[Saba Sports News] Pakistan Captain Babar Azam faced another batting failure in the ongoing Cricket World Cup 2023 against Sri Lanka on Tuesday, October 10, at Hyderabad’s Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium. While chasing a massive target of 345 runs, Pakistan lost their opener, Imam ul Haq, early in the innings with only 16 runs on the board.
Captain Babar Azam came in at number three but struggled to get his innings going and was caught down the leg side off Dilshan Madushanka. Consequently, Babar Azam departed after scoring 10 (15). His back-to-back low scores in the tournament left many fans disappointed, despite his nickname “King Babar” due to his impressive recent performances across formats.
Babar Azam has scored 760 runs from 17 innings in ODIs in 2023, averaging 44.70 with a strike rate of 83.97. He has recorded two centuries and six fifties. Currently, he holds the top spot in the ODI batters’ rankings with a rating of 857. However, following his recent struggles, Indian batting sensation Shubman Gill (839 rating) may overtake him when he returns to the Indian playing XI.
Babar Azam’s next challenge will be against arch-rivals India on Saturday, October 14, at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad. The Pakistan captain is eager to improve his record in ODIs against India, as he has scored 168 runs from six innings against the Men in Blue, averaging 28 with a strike rate of 72.41.
Fans on social media expressed their reactions to Babar Azam’s consecutive failures in the World Cup 2023.