Thu Feb 20 04:41:58 UTC 2025: ## Babar Azam’s Slow Knock Criticized as Pakistan Crumbles Against New Zealand
**Karachi, Pakistan** – Pakistan’s captain Babar Azam faced intense criticism for his slow innings in their Champions Trophy opener against New Zealand on February 19th. Chasing a challenging 320-run target set by the Black Caps, Pakistan’s chase faltered, largely due to a sluggish start and the captain’s conservative approach.
Babar, opening the batting, reached his half-century off 81 balls, a strike rate deemed far too slow given the demanding run-rate. Pakistan managed a meager 22 runs in the powerplay and lost early wickets, further compounding the pressure. Fans took to social media to express their displeasure, questioning Babar’s strategy and comparing his performance unfavorably to other leading batsmen. Many felt his approach lacked the necessary aggression required to chase a substantial total, particularly given the already difficult situation.
The criticism comes just a day after Babar lost his No.1 ODI ranking to India’s Shubman Gill. Some speculated that this loss might have impacted his game, while others pointed to a lack of intent and questioned his suitability as a captain in high-pressure situations. The slow start ultimately contributed to Pakistan’s defeat, raising serious concerns about their campaign prospects in the Champions Trophy.
First Piper 