Babar Azam spotted angry after Pakistan’s second ODI win over Afghanistan

Babar Azam, Pakistan’s skipper, was spotted angry following a last-ball win over Afghanistan in the second ODI at the Mahinda Rajapaksa International Cricket Stadium in Hambantota on August 24. Notably, the win helped Pakistan clinch the three-match series.

Following the game, a video has gone viral on social media in which the players of both teams were seen greeting each other. Meanwhile, Babar appeared angry and was seen exchanging a few words with his Afghanistan counterpart Mohammad Nabi before the umpires intervened.

The reason behind Babar’s anger was not clear but it can be assumed that both of them were discussing the controversial dismissal of all-rounder Shadab Khan during the game. Notably, when Pakistan needed 11 runs off the final over to win the game, Fazalhaq Farooqi ran Shadab out for backing up.

Watch the video:

I have never seen Babar this angry🔥🥹.#BabarAzam #PAKvAFG #AFGvPAK #PakvsAfg pic.twitter.com/D21z33y9JD

— Shaharyar Ejaz 🏏 (@SharyOfficial) August 24, 2023

Pakistan clinch thriller

Speaking of the game, Afghanistan skipper Hashmatullah Shahidi won the toss and decided to bat first. Afghanistan posted 300/5 courtesy of openers Rahmanullah Gurbaz and Ibrahim Zadran’s 227-run partnership. Gurbaz notched up a career-best 151 and surpassed former India skipper Mahendra Singh Dhoni’s 148(123). Zadran also played a gritty knock-off 101-ball 80 runs. Meanwhile, Shaheen Afridi picked up two, and Naseem Shah and Usama Mir made one scalp each.

Pakistan got off to a solid start in the second innings as opener Imam-ul-Haq was instrumental for the Men in Green, scoring 91 off 105 deliveries. Skipper Babar also played a crucial knock of 66-ball 53 runs during the chase. However, at one point, Pakistan’s middle-order was cheaply dismissed by Afghan bowlers.

Shadab brought Pakistan into the game as they registered a one-wicket win in the final over of the game. Farooqi claimed a three-wicket haul while Mohammad Nabi grabbed two for Afghanistan.