Fri Feb 21 04:53:14 UTC 2025: ## Babar Azam’s Slow Innings Criticized as Pakistan’s Champions Trophy Hopes Dwindle

**LAHORE, INDIA** – Pakistan’s opening ICC Champions Trophy match against New Zealand ended in a 60-run defeat, sparking intense criticism of captain Babar Azam’s slow batting performance. Azam’s 90-ball 64, a strike rate of just 71.11, left Pakistan needing a strong performance in their next match against India to stay in the tournament.

Former Pakistan fast bowler Shoaib Akhtar slammed Azam’s approach, stating on the post-match show ‘Game On Hai’ that the captain shows “no intention to improve” and needs to adopt a more aggressive strategy in ODIs. Akhtar contrasted Azam’s innings with the performances of New Zealand’s batsmen, who included centuries from Will Young (107) and Tom Latham (118), and a quick-fire 61 from Glenn Phillips.

Azam’s slow knock was his fifth-slowest 50-plus score in ODIs. His underwhelming performance was compounded by the struggles of Pakistan’s other top-order batsmen, including Saud Shakeel (6), Mohammad Rizwan (3), and Fakhar Zaman (24). While Salman Agha (42) and Khusdil Shah (69) provided some late impetus, it proved insufficient to reach New Zealand’s challenging 321.

Pakistan’s net run rate now sits at a worrying -1.20, making their upcoming match against India a virtual knockout. Azam’s recent ODI form, while showing three fifties in his last 10 matches, has also lacked the explosive scoring needed to propel Pakistan to victory. His last century was against Nepal in August 2023. The team’s performance leaves their Champions Trophy hopes hanging by a thread.

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