Pakistan secured their third victory in the ongoing ODI World Cup 2023 by defeating Bangladesh by seven wickets on October 31 (Tuesday). Captain Babar Azam's team showcased their prowess in the match, with a notable performance by Fakhar Zaman, who scored 81 runs from 74 deliveries. However, Babar struggled to make an impact, managing to score only nine runs, leading to criticism of both his captaincy and batting performance.
Meanwhile, a video featuring Shahid Afridi discussing Babar's performance has gone viral. In the video, Afridi compares Babar to Virat Kohli, stating that while the Pakistan captain is expected to consistently score 50-60 runs, he needs to prove his ability to lead the team to victory. Afridi's remarks suggest that Babar, like Kohli, should focus on not only individual performance but also on ensuring match-winning contributions for the team.
"Scoring runs is one thing, but winning matches is another. Players like Virat Kohli and KL Rahul not only score runs but also contribute with the ball and help their teams secure victories. Afridi has talked to Babar Azam about this previously. While he is a fan of Babar, it can be challenging to explain to people what he wants," Afridi said on Samaa TV.
"We often refer to Babar as a significant player, but it's essential for big players to deliver consistent performances and win matches for their team. While he may make it to the top, he also needs to excel and maintain his form. Observing Babar, it should be clear that when he steps onto the field, he has the potential to secure victories. However, I don't get the feeling that Babar will win you matches when he walks out to bat. The general feeling with Babar is that he will score 50-60 runs when he walks out to bat," he further added.
Babar Azam has endured a substandard World Cup so far, scoring just 216 runs in seven matches at a below-par average of 30.85 and a strike rate of 77.69. The No.1 ranked ODI batter has registered three half-centuries in the campaign.Â
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