Pakistan’s cricketing icon Babar Azam is enduring a challenging phase in his career. Recently, his struggles to find form have not only affected his own performance but have also impacted the Pakistani team’s overall success. His recent outing against Bangladesh was particularly disappointing, where he failed to cross the 50-run mark in two Test matches. However, during the Champions ODI Cup, Babar appeared to be revitalizing his game, scoring a solid half-century before being thwarted by his own teammate and rival, Shaheen Shah Afridi.
Much-Needed Form in Champions ODI Cup
The Champions One Day Cup kicked off in Faisalabad, Pakistan, where the Stallions faced off against the Lions on September 13. Babar Azam, alongside Shan Masood, was a key player for the Stallions. The opposing Lions boasted strong players, including Imam ul Haq and Abdullah Shafiq, along with the lethal fast bowler Shaheen Shah Afridi. After a rocky start, the Stallions relied heavily on Babar to stabilize the innings.
A Glimmer of Hope: Babar’s Half-Century
Despite the absence of captaincy in this tournament, which had raised eyebrows, Babar had a vital opportunity to respond through his bat. After a cautious start in the 8th over, he shifted gears and notched up a significant half-century. His partnership with Tayyab Tahir, totaling 114 runs, showcased Babar’s ability to anchor the innings and regain some rhythm.
@iShaheenAfridi gets the prized wicket of @babarazam258 #DiscoveringChampions #AlliedBankStallionsvNurpurLions pic.twitter.com/goDNi2MhQs
— Official Champions Cup (@championscuppcb) September 13, 2024
Dreams Dashed: The Turning Point
As the innings progressed, Babar must have been envisioning his long-awaited century. Unfortunately, in the 35th over, Shaheen Shah Afridi brought that dream to a halt by dismissing him. Babar’s innings concluded at 76 runs off 79 balls, an impressive effort featuring 9 boundaries. This innings marked Babar’s first half-century in 11 outings across international and domestic formats, signifying a potential turning point in his form. For Shaheen Afridi, who had recently been in the spotlight over captaincy disputes with Babar, dismissing him must have felt like a personal triumph.
The rivalry and camaraderie between these two players add an intriguing layer to the dynamics of the Pakistani cricket team. As Babar seeks to reclaim his place as one of the world’s top batsmen, his performances, along with the results of the team, will be closely scrutinized in the matches to come.
