Former Test cricketer Azhar Ali has come to the defense of Babar Azam, who has faced criticism during the ongoing first Test match against Sri Lanka at Galle. Despite a commendable comeback by the Pakistani team, fans expressed dissatisfaction with Babar Azam’s defensive approach. In this article, we will delve into the details of the match and shed light on Azhar Ali’s response to the criticism.
1. The Host’s Recovery
The home side made an impressive recovery after being reduced to 54 for 4 in the first innings. Their batsmen fought back and managed to reach a respectable total of 312 runs. However, some fans singled out Babar Azam for his cautious approach during this phase of the game.
2. Team Rescued by Agha and Shakeel
A similar situation emerged on the second day of the match when the Pakistani team lost early wickets. However, Salman Agha and Saud Shakeel stepped up to rescue the team from a precarious position of 101 for 5. Their partnership propelled the team’s score to 278 for 6, showcasing their resilience and determination.
3. Criticism of Babar Azam
Following the remarkable comeback by the host team, fans criticized Babar Azam for his perceived defensive mindset. Comparisons were drawn with Sri Lankan captain Dimuth Karunaratne, questioning the disparity in the level of criticism faced by the two players. This led to a heated debate among cricket enthusiasts.
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4. Azhar Ali’s Twitter Response
In response to the criticism, Azhar Ali, a former captain of the Pakistani cricket team, took to Twitter to defend Babar Azam. He stated that Pakistani fans have a tendency to focus on and highlight the mistakes of their own players. Azhar Ali’s comment aimed to redirect the attention towards the team’s overall performance and the commendable efforts made by individual players.
5. Babar Azam’s Resilience
Despite the criticism, Babar Azam remained resilient and focused on his performance in the match. On the second day, after the team lost five wickets for 101 runs, he found support in Saud Shakeel and Salman Agha. Together, they formed a remarkable partnership of 177 runs for the sixth wicket, significantly reducing the deficit and bringing the team back into contention.
6. Shan Masood’s Contribution
It is also worth mentioning Shan Masood’s contribution in the match. He played a crucial role in stabilizing the innings, scoring a quick 39 runs off just 30 balls. His partnership of 44 runs for the second wicket provided a solid foundation for the team’s recovery.
