Thu Feb 20 14:42:19 UTC 2025: ## Akram Slams Babar Azam’s Slow Innings in Pakistan’s Champions Trophy Defeat
**Karachi, Pakistan** – Pakistan cricket legend Wasim Akram launched a scathing critique of captain Babar Azam’s performance in Pakistan’s 60-run loss to New Zealand in the opening match of the Champions Trophy. Azam’s slow 64 off 90 balls drew Akram’s ire. Speaking on the show “Dressing Room,” Akram stated, “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.” He contrasted Azam’s innings with Salman Ali Agha’s quickfire 42 off 28, highlighting Agha’s willingness to take risks.
Azam’s slow start, reaching only 12 runs off 27 balls after the first 10 overs, hampered Pakistan’s chase. His strike rate of 71.11 was deemed insufficient by Akram, particularly given the lack of boundaries between overs 15.1 and 32. Azam’s innings ended in the 34th over. Pakistan’s struggles were further compounded by Fakhar Zaman’s injury, which limited his batting availability. Mohammad Rizwan attributed the loss partly to a lack of momentum at the backend of the New Zealand innings and the start of their own chase. New Zealand’s victory was largely due to centuries from Tom Latham and Will Young.
First Piper 