In the wake of Pakistan's exit from the Asia Cup 2023, Babar Azam's captaincy has come under the scanner, drawing significant attention and commentary from cricket enthusiasts and experts worldwide. This scrutiny intensified after Pakistan's two-wicket loss to Sri Lanka during the Super Four stage on September 14, 2023, at the R Premadasa Stadium, Colombo. The match carried weight, as it was a decisive encounter determining who would challenge India in the coveted final.
Opting to bat first in a rain-curtailed match shortened to 42 overs, Pakistan showcased a commendable batting display, with Mohammad Rizwan contributing an impressive 86* off 73 and Iftikhar Ahmed adding 47 off 40 to the total. Despite posting a solid 252 for 7, the Duckworth-Lewis-Stern (DLS) method's involvement meant that Sri Lanka's target remained unchanged at 252.
Sri Lanka's journey to victory, despite Pakistan's robust onset, was punctuated by a crucial, match-defining performance from Charith Asalanka, whose 49 not out off 47 balls played a pivotal role in ensuring a Sri Lankan triumph by a whisker.
Post this intense face-off, Babar Azam's on-field decisions, particularly during the game's climax, garnered criticism. Among the critics was former Indian batsman Gautam Gambhir, who provided an analytical review of Azam's leadership tactics in the decisive moments. As quoted by Crickettimes, Gambhir expressed, "For me, extremely ordinary captaincy as well. There was a four hit in Zaman Khan's over over mid-off and there was another four hit in Shaheen Shah Afridi's over over mid-off, and both those deliveries were slower ones."
Elaborating on Babar's tactical missteps, Gambhir added, "If you want to bowl slower ones, keep the mid-off fielder at long-off and bring the third man up. This is extremely simple captaincy."
Gambhir further opined that maintaining consistent pressure would have been more advantageous than aggressively seeking wickets. "You were allowing the game to drift at one stage. When the partnership was developing between Kusal Mendis and Sadeera Samarawickrama, you should have brought on your main bowlers and tried to pick up wickets," he commented.
Drawing a distinction between ODI and T20 formats, Gambhir concluded, "I feel Babar Azam will have to be slightly better in his captaincy as ODI cricket is not like T20 cricket."
After Pakistan's exit, Sri Lanka will now take on mighty India on September 17, Sunday, for the ultimate Asia Cup 2023 title.
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