Babar Azam. (Source – Twitter/X)
Star Pakistan batter Babar Azam’s rough patch continued as he managed to score only 11 runs in the second innings of the second Test against Bangladesh in Rawalpindi. With the hosts in a do-or-die situation in the series, Babar’s early departure has put them on a backfoot.
Coming into the series, expectations were high from Babar, considering his brilliant average at home. However, his performances have been far from his usual standards. After scores of 0 and 22 in the first Test, the right-hand batter’s struggles extended in the second game as he could manage only 31 and 11.
Also read: Salman Agha backs Babar Azam to overcome lean patch
In the second innings of the Rawalpindi Test, Babar came to the crease following the dismissal of Saim Ayub with the scoreboard reading 62/4. The batter had a good chance to put his previous performances behind and get his side back in the game. However, after getting a start, he was dismissed for just 11 runs.
The dismissal came as Babar attempted a delicate push against a delivery well outside the off-stump from Nahid Rana. The ball took the outside edge, resulting in a straightforward catch at first slip by Shadman Islam.
Rana, who has been a revelation for Bangladesh in this series, was once again at the forefront of Pakistan’s troubles. In the second innings, his spell has left Pakistan reeling at 145/8, with only a 157-run lead and just two wickets remaining. Hasan Mahmud also played a crucial role, picking up four wickets and putting Bangladesh in a strong position to push for victory.
Also read: Dinesh Karthik expresses concern over Babar Azam’s current form
Here’s how X reacted to Babar Azam’s cheap dismissal:
There is something wrong with Babar Azam which is bothering and shaking his confidence! We have never seen such a confused and nervous Babar ever before!🙏 #PAKvBAN
— Arfa Feroz Zake (@ArfaSays_) September 2, 2024
Even Tailenders are looking more comfortable than Babar Azam at the crease.
Ye Cricket khelna Bhool gya haii— Babar Khan (@Babaristic) September 2, 2024
Tbh Shaheen Afridi can bat better than Babar Azam. 🙂
— Mayank (@MayankVK18) September 2, 2024
Babar Azam vs Bangladesh in 2 Tests:
0 + 22 +31 + 11 = 64 runsVirat Kohli international centuries – 80*
Babar Azam scoring runs less than the centuries scored by Virat Kohli 🤭🤭🤭
Abito kamse kam india se compare karna band karo #PAKvBAN #Pakistan #ICC #CricketTwitter
— Citizen 😏🙂↔️ (@satishmudaliya3) September 2, 2024
#BabarAzam 🔔 daily routine #PAKvsBAN pic.twitter.com/ORBajG0E34
— sporty (@PrEm86760685) September 2, 2024
Babar azam king 👑#BabarAzam𓃵 #PAKvBAN #MSDhoni #ashwin pic.twitter.com/fujIWZp1RT
— अभिराज सिंह (@abhirajsingh311) September 2, 2024
#BabarAzam𓃵
Babar Azam right now pic.twitter.com/J6OIMVPJwQ— xuenain (@meer_xuenain) September 2, 2024
😂 #BabarAzam𓃵 pic.twitter.com/f5mV0UOsuQ
— Sujit Jha (@sujitjha_) September 2, 2024
Ye……. Goat……#BabarAzam𓃵 #PAKvBAN #MSDhoni pic.twitter.com/eCqwRJFNm9
— Desi JAAT 💥 (@cricketwithPM1) September 2, 2024
THE STREAK OF BABAR AZAM…!!!
– 616 days since Babar Azam last scored a Test fifty. 🤯 pic.twitter.com/GgG1wiFRON
— 𝑹𝒐𝒉𝒊𝒕𝒉 (@rohithsankar5) September 2, 2024
#BabarAzam𓃵
Farzi king >>>😏 pic.twitter.com/Eu0t5aWFEj— Aastha🕊 (@aas_sthaa) September 2, 2024
I am waiting for Babar’s century. #BabarAzam𓃵 #PAKvBAN #Pakistan #Cricket pic.twitter.com/pxeZ1Rr6hl
— Parveen Bhankhar ( सनातन प्रेमी) (@parveenbhankhar) September 2, 2024
I can understand Babar Azam’s pain 😭. #BabarAzam𓃵 #PAKvBAN #Rizwan #BabarAzam pic.twitter.com/7aVAk94Qjb
— फेकूचंद्र (@feku295) September 2, 2024