In any team sport, the performance of each player is crucial to guarantee success. Every player contributes in some way, and it’s only through these collective efforts that a team can claim victories and titles. However, there is always one player who stands out as the biggest star, often attracting the most attention and bringing significant impact to the team’s performance. Currently, that figure in the Pakistan cricket team is Babar Azam, who has earned accolades for his exceptional performances over time. Yet, in recent matches, he has faced struggles that have affected the overall performance of the team. This was evident during the Rawalpindi Test, where Babar failed in both innings.
The Struggles Against Bangladesh
Facing a relatively weaker Test side like Bangladesh at home, the Pakistani team found it difficult not only to secure a victory but also to save the match. In the ongoing Test match in Rawalpindi, Pakistan scored 448 runs but still ended up trailing Bangladesh by 117 runs in the first innings. When the team needed extraordinary batting to stave off defeat in the second innings, key players like captain Shan Masood, Abdullah Shafique, and Agha Salman faltered. However, it was Babar Azam, the team’s top batsman and former captain, who caused the most disappointment.
Babar’s Ongoing Form Concerns
Before this series commenced, Babar Azam’s form was already a significant concern for Pakistan following a series of underwhelming performances during the previous year. After failing in the ODI World Cup, the Test series in Australia, and again in the T20 World Cup, fans hoped that Babar would find his rhythm against Bangladesh. Unfortunately, this did not unfold as expected. In the first innings, he was dismissed for a duck, falling victim to the bowler in just 2 deliveries. The second innings presented another chance for redemption, especially after the team lost 2 wickets for only 28 runs.
A Missed Opportunity
This was a pivotal moment for Babar to step up and save the match for his team. However, he once again disappointed. Initially gifted a lifeline when the wicketkeeper Litton Das dropped his catch on the very first ball, Babar managed to stick around briefly before getting out for just 22 runs. He was dismissed by 22-year-old fast bowler Naheed Khan, who was playing just his second Test match. Babar’s dismissal for a mere 22 runs marked Pakistan’s third wicket falling at a score of 66, leaving the team still trailing by 51 runs.
A Continuous Struggle
Babar’s struggles in Test cricket have become a persistent issue for Pakistan. He hasn’t scored a single half-century in his last 14 Test innings. Here’s a quick breakdown of his recent scores: 22, 0, 23, 26, 41, 1, 14, 21, 39, 24, 13, 27, 24, 14. If we consider only the year 2023, Babar has made 275 runs across 13 innings, with his highest score being just 41 and an average of merely 21.2. This prolonged period of underachievement highlights how crucial Babar’s form is to the Pakistan team’s success, especially as they continue to miss opportunities for victory.
