Shoaib Akhtar has encouraged Babar Azam, the captain of Pakistan, to improve his batting following two consecutive losses in the current 2023 World Cup.
However, Akhtar opined that Babar would need to demonstrate his mettle in important contests. In his most recent YouTube video, the former Pakistan speedster expressed trust in the capabilities of the team’s captain. He said:
“Yes, Babar Azam could not do well again. But we have found another player like Babar Azam in Abdullah Shafique. Babar is obviously a great player, but you need to go out there and perform in bigger games like these. I am sure he will be able to do that in days to come. I hope he is able to play a good knock in a big match.”
Shoaib Akhtar
Babar Azam has come under scrutiny after a streak of subpar ODI cricket performances. The No. 1 ODI hitter, who registered scores of 5 and 10, respectively, in Pakistan’s World Cup 2023 matches against the Netherlands and Sri Lanka, was unable to have a meaningful influence.
Shoaib Akhtar Backs Pakistani Bowlers Despite Poor Performance
As a result of their poor performance against Sri Lanka, when they let up 344 runs in 50 overs, Pakistan’s bowling attack drew criticism. Shoaib Akhtar attributed the underwhelming performance on the absence of ODI cricket in the nation.
The 48-year-old advised spectators not to criticize Pakistan’s bowlers. According to him, Haris Rauf and Shaheen Afridi would likely make a great return in the future games, adding:
“I have my fingers crossed for the match against India. I really want Pakistan to go out there and do well. I won’t criticise Pakistan’s bowling. These are our own kids, and we should back them. These are not ODI bowlers; how can you expect them to be successful in this format? This same bowling unit will start to perform in the upcoming two or three matches. I can understand the disappointment, but don’t give up on them.”
Shoaib Akhtar
The Men in Green achieved the highest-ever successful run chase in ODI World Cups on Tuesday, defeating Sri Lanka by six wickets in Hyderabad.
They are presently second in the points Table with two wins in as many games.