‘Rather have him…’: Pakistan legend launches scathing attack on Babar Azam following Champions Trophy opener

Akaram criticizes Babar for slow knock in Champions Trophy

Legendary Pakistan cricketer Wasim Akram has heavily criticized Babar Azam for his slow knock against New Zealand in the opening match of Champions Trophy. Babar scored 64 runs off 90 deliveries as Pakistan slumped to a heavy 60-run defeat against the Black Caps in Karachi.

Twin centuries from Will Young and Tom Latham guided New Zealand to a humongous total of 320/5 after 50 overs. In reply, Pakistan’s top-order struggled to score and ended up wasting a lot of deliveries.

Fifties from Babar and Khushdil Shah didn’t prove to be enough as the Men in Green could only manage to put up a total of 260 before getting bundled out. Kiwi skipper Mitchell Santner and pacer Will O’Rourke picked up 3 scalps each as New Zealand cruised to a 60-run victory.

Following the defeat, Akram launched a scathing attack on Babar, stating that the main player scoring 64 runs from 90 deliveries is unacceptable.

“I don’t want 60 off 90 balls from my main player,” Akram said on the show “Dressing Room.”

“I’d rather have him getting 35 off 30 balls and get out instead of getting 64 of 90 balls. It’s not on in this day and age,” Akram added.

On the other hand, Akram showered praise on Salman Ali Agha who played a quick-fire knock of 42 runs from 28 deliveries.

“Babar was the set batter but it was Salman who was taking the risk,” Akram said.