Wasim Akram Reprimands Babar Azam For His Slow Knock In Champions Trophy 2025 Opener

Legendary pacer Wasim Akram has slammed star Pakistan batter Babar Azam for his selfish and slow knock against New Zealand in the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 opening match on February 19 in Karachi.

Babar Azam scored his first ODI half-century as an opener against New Zealand on Wednesday, February 19, at the National Stadium in Karachi. The right-handed batsman was removed after hitting 64 runs off 90 deliveries. Pakistan suffered a 60-run defeat, being bowled out for 260 runs while pursuing 321.

The great pacer claimed that such a slow scoring rate is obsolete in modern cricket, and Babar played conservatively despite being the set batsman.

It's Not On in This Day and Age - Wasim Akram

Wasim Akram believes that a low strike rate is undesirable in modern cricket. He stated that he would prefer Babar to score a quick 35 off 30 balls to a slow 64 off 90 deliveries. Akram also mentioned that Salman Ali Agha took the risks, despite Babar being the set batter.

“I don’t want 60 off 90 balls from my main player. I’d rather have him getting 35 off 30 balls and get out instead of getting 64 off 90 balls. It’s not on in this day and age. Babar was the set batter but it was Salman who was taking the risk,” Wasim Akram said on the show “Dressing Room.”

Pakistan in shambles on the opening match day

Pakistan struggled in their chase of 321 runs from the start, scoring only 22 runs in the powerplay. With Fakhar Zaman out due to injury, Babar Azam opened alongside Saud Shakeel, but the impromptu duo failed to offer momentum. Pakistan lost two wickets early, leaving them at 22/2 after 10 overs.

Babar Azam's cautious approach raised pressure as the desired run rate increased. His knock came at a strike rate of 71.11 before being removed by Mitchell Santner in the 34th over. Pakistan was bowled out for 260 in 47.2 overs.

Pakistan to face India in a do-or-die match in Dubai on February 23

Babar Azam's current slump has also impacted his ICC rankings ahead of the Champions Trophy 2025. After the tri-series against South Africa and New Zealand, he lost his top spot in the ODI rankings, with Indian opener Shubman Gill taking his place as the top batter.

Following the defeat in the first game, Pakistan now confronts a must-win match against arch-rivals India. The high-stakes match is scheduled for Sunday, February 23, at the Dubai International Stadium.

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