Pakistan's superstar batter Babar Azam is a kind of player who hardly expresses his emotions while on the cricket field. But what fans witness during the second Test between Pakistan and West Indies was a complete contrast to Babar Azam's nature. During the second Test match between Pakistan and West Indies in Multan, Babar Azam displayed his lighthearted side and was spotted showing his dancing skills. With the West Indies struggling at 68-8 on the first day, Pakistan's spinners dominating the proceedings, Babar couldn't contain his excitement. He broke into a spontaneous and entertaining dance, reflecting the joy and confidence within the Pakistan team.
Watch Babar Azam's dance here:
Twitterati reacted funnily to Babar Azam's dancing moves and started comparing it to Virat Kohli.
Initially, Pakistan appeared to be in complete control, reducing West Indies to a precarious 54/8. However, the West Indies tailenders displayed remarkable resilience. A crucial 41-run partnership between Gudakesh Motie and Kemar Roach steadied the ship and pushed the team closer to the 100-run mark. This resurgence continued, with the final wicket partnership adding a substantial 68 runs to the total. This unexpected contribution propelled West Indies to a respectable 163 in their first innings. Notably, the last three batters in the West Indies lineup emerged as the team's top scorers.
Gudakesh Motie led the way with a well-crafted half-century (55 runs off 87 deliveries). Kemar Roach (25 runs off 45 balls) and Jomel Warrican (36 runs off 40 balls) also made significant contributions. This defiant display from the West Indies tailenders showcased their determination and skill, as they successfully countered a strong Pakistani spin attack on a challenging turning pitch.
Babar Azam's batting struggles
While Babar Azam's exuberant dance moves entertained the crowd, his personal performance with the bat continued to be a concern. The star batsman fell victim to left-arm spinner Gudakesh Motie, dismissed for a mere one run off five deliveries. His dismissal further underscored Babar's struggles in the ongoing Test series. His score of one was the lowest among the top seven Pakistani batters in this innings. Overall, he has managed to score only 14 runs across three innings in the series, averaging a dismal 4.66.
Pakistan will undoubtedly be hoping for a significant contribution from Babar in the second innings. Chasing a challenging target on a turning track will require substantial contributions from their key players. Babar's role will be crucial in determining the outcome of the match, and his performance against a potent spin attack will be closely watched.
The West Indies, after being dismissed for 163 in their first innings, staged a remarkable comeback. Their bowlers delivered a disciplined performance, bowling out Pakistan for a paltry 154 runs, securing a crucial nine-run lead. Building on this advantage, the visitors produced a strong batting display in their second innings, posting a formidable score of over 200.
Captain Kraigg Brathwaite led the way, top-scoring with a well-constructed 52 runs off 74 balls. He received valuable support from Amir Jangoo, Tevin Imlach, and Kevin Sinclair, who combined effectively to guide West Indies to a total of 244 in their second innings. Facing a challenging target, Pakistan has already suffered two early wickets in their chase.