Babar Azam Under Fire After Slow Knock in Champions Trophy 2025 Opener Against New Zealand
Pakistan’s Champions Trophy 2025 campaign started with a major setback as they suffered a 60-run defeat against New Zealand at National Stadium, Karachi, on February 19. While the Men in Green struggled throughout their run chase of 321, much of the fan outrage was directed at Pakistan captain Babar Azam, who played a slow-paced innings, leading to a memefest on social media.
Babar scored 64 off 90 balls, hitting only six fours and one six, before getting dismissed in the 34th over. His sluggish approach, especially in the powerplay overs, drew sharp criticism from fans, many of whom blamed him for Pakistan’s failure to chase down the target.
Babar Azam’s Slow Knock Under Fire
Pakistan’s run chase started poorly, with early wickets pushing them on the back foot. At the 10-over mark, the scoreboard read 22/2, with Babar Azam batting on 12 off 27 balls and Mohammad Rizwan on 3 off 14 balls. The situation hardly improved as:
📌 15 overs – Pakistan reached 49/2, Babar at 22 off 37 balls
📌 20 overs – Pakistan at 66/2, still struggling for momentum
📌 34 overs – Babar dismissed for 64 off 90 balls with Pakistan at 153/6
Babar’s slow strike rate, coupled with Pakistan’s lack of aggression in the first 20 overs, frustrated fans who expected a more attacking approach while chasing 321 runs.
Memefest Erupts on Social Media
Following Pakistan’s defeat, X (formerly Twitter) exploded with memes and criticism aimed at Babar Azam’s innings. Fans compared his strike rate to a Test match performance, with some even making dark-humor jokes.
🔹 One fan sarcastically wrote:
“If I had only two bullets and was in a room with Hitler, Bin Laden, and a Babar Azam fan who compares him to Virat Kohli… I’d shoot the fan twice!”
🔹 Another user mocked Babar’s approach:
“Babar Azam thinks every match is a 5-day Test. Someone tell him it was an ODI today!”
🔹 A popular meme compared Babar’s innings to a snail race, highlighting his slow scoring rate in the first 20 overs.
What Went Wrong for Pakistan?
While Pakistan’s middle-order collapse played a key role in their defeat, Babar’s cautious start put extra pressure on the batting lineup. The team’s inability to accelerate early on resulted in them falling too far behind the required run rate.
Key Reasons Behind Pakistan’s Loss:
- Slow Powerplay Start – Pakistan scored only 22/2 in the first 10 overs, making the chase difficult.
- Lack of Partnerships – Babar and Rizwan’s cautious stand slowed down the momentum.
- Middle-Order Collapse – Once Babar got out, Pakistan lost wickets quickly, making recovery impossible.
- New Zealand’s Dominant Bowling – The Kiwi bowlers maintained tight lines, restricting Pakistan’s scoring options.
Babar Azam’s Form Under Scrutiny
Babar Azam has been one of Pakistan’s most consistent batters over the past few years. However, his strike rate in big tournaments has often been criticized. His inability to accelerate under pressure has raised concerns about whether he is the right leader for Pakistan in white-ball cricket.
With a must-win match against India on February 23, Babar will need to improve his approach and play with more intent. If Pakistan continues to play conservative cricket in powerplays, their chances of qualifying for the semifinals could diminish further.
What’s Next for Pakistan in Champions Trophy 2025?
Pakistan’s loss to New Zealand has left them in a do-or-die situation. They now face India on February 23 at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium, followed by a crucial match against Bangladesh on February 27.
📅 Pakistan’s Remaining Group A Fixtures
🆚 Pakistan vs India – February 23, Dubai
🆚 Pakistan vs Bangladesh – February 27, Rawalpindi
If Pakistan loses to India, their Champions Trophy 2025 campaign could be over. However, a win would keep them alive in the race for the semifinals.
Can Babar Azam Silence His Critics?
Babar Azam has faced criticism before, but he has often responded with match-winning performances. With Pakistan’s semifinal hopes hanging by a thread, all eyes will be on how he performs against India.
Does he continue his slow-paced approach, or does he step up and take charge in the must-win game?
One thing is certain—Pakistan fans will not tolerate another “tuk-tuk” knock from their captain. 🚀🏏
🔔 Stay tuned for more Champions Trophy 2025 updates and breaking cricket news!
