Thu Feb 20 19:19:42 UTC 2025: ## Akram Slams Babar Azam’s Slow Innings in Champions Trophy Loss
**Karachi, Pakistan –** Cricket legend Wasim Akram has heavily criticized Pakistan captain Babar Azam’s slow 64-run innings in their opening Champions Trophy match against New Zealand. Pakistan suffered a 60-run defeat to New Zealand, a victory fueled by centuries from Tom Latham and Will Young.
Akram, speaking on the show “Dressing Room,” stated that Babar’s 64 runs off 90 balls were unacceptable in modern cricket. He argued that a quicker, albeit potentially lower-scoring, innings would have been more beneficial to the team. He contrasted Babar’s performance with Salman Ali Agha’s rapid 42 off 28, highlighting Agha’s willingness to take risks.
Akram’s criticism is compounded by Babar’s slow start, reaching only 12 runs off 27 balls after the first ten overs. His innings lacked boundaries for a significant period, ultimately resulting in a strike rate of 71.11 – far below what Akram considers necessary for a key batsman. Babar’s dismissal in the 34th over further hampered Pakistan’s chase.
Pakistan’s struggles were also attributed to Fakhar Zaman’s injury-related absence and a lack of momentum, as noted by wicketkeeper Mohammad Rizwan. The team’s inability to build on a strong start and their consistent wicket losses contributed to their defeat.
First Piper 