Babar Azam’s latest dismissal has intensified scrutiny on his inconsistent form during Pakistan’s ongoing ODI Tri-series. The former captain fell for 34 against England at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium on Tuesday, October 20, ending a promising start that saw him settle into the middle order. Will Jacks, the English off-spinner, exploited a predictable weakness to bowl the right-hander, marking Babar’s second sub-50 score in two matches. This follows his 45 against Sri Lanka in the opening fixture, highlighting a troubling pattern of failure to convert starts into match-winning knocks.
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Former Pakistan international Tanveer Ahmed has publicly criticized Babar’s technical adjustments, arguing that the star batsman struggles significantly against spin bowling. Ahmed pointed out that Babar’s game plan against inswinging deliveries and bouncers is “out in the open,” allowing bowlers to target specific gaps with ease. According to Ahmed, the lack of variation in Babar’s shot selection against these specific deliveries has made him predictable, a flaw that high-level opposition is now actively exploiting to dismiss him cheaply.
The debate over Babar’s effectiveness in the number three slot has resurfaced as Pakistan seeks to stabilize its top order. While the slot demands an anchor who can defend and accelerate, Babar’s recent dismissals suggest a vulnerability to pressure situations. With the tri-series progressing, the pressure is mounting on Babar to address these glaring weaknesses. If he cannot adapt his technique to handle spin and pace variations more effectively, his ability to lead Pakistan’s batting lineup in crucial matches remains in serious doubt.
Source: Yahoo Sports
