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Basit Ali pointed out that the fans will not be happy with Babar Azam’s failure to convert his good start to a big knock just like Virat Kohli.
Virat Kohli (left) and Babar Azam (AFP Photo)
Babar Azam looked in solid form in the opening ODI against Australia but he missed out on a half century by 13 runs. The Pakistan batter returned to the dressing room scoring 37 runs off 44 balls. Former Pakistan cricketer Basit Ali recently pointed out that the fans will not be happy with Babar’s failure to convert his good start to a big knock. Speaking on his YouTube channel, Ali did admit that Babar looked in “good form” but at the same time, he explained why fans would want the star Pakistan batter to play a big knock. Ali even likened the situation to Indian cricket. He claimed that the Indian fans are not also satisfied with Virat Kohli’s 70-run knock, as they want him to produce a big innings.
“Babar Azam looked in good form today. His way of playing was top-class. Unfortunately, he played Adam Zampa off the back foot on a ball that he should have played on the front foot. His foot movement and how hungry he was for runs were good signs,” Basit Ali said, as per NDTV.
“Our people won’t be happy with 37 runs, they want Babar to score 137. Similarly, the Indian fans aren’t satisfied with Virat Kohli’s 70-run knock, they want 170 from him. So, this is the case with a big player that there’s no value if he scores a 50,” Basit Ali added.
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Babar Azam scored 37 runs facing 44 balls at a strike rate of 84.09 in the first ODI against Australia on Monday. Babar’s innings came to an end in the 18th over when spinner Adam Zampa bowled him. The ex-Pakistan skipper’s 44-ball stay comprised four boundaries.
Pakistan skipper Mohammad Rizwan emerged as the highest scorer of his side in the first ODI. Rizwan played a fine innings of 44 off 71 deliveries. Riding on Rizwan’s commendable performance, the visitors succeeded in breaching the 200-run total. Pakistan managed to reach 203. Mitchell Starc claimed three wickets conceding 33 runs in his 10 overs.
The run chase looked tricky at one point but Australia, eventually, reached the target with 99 balls to spare. Steven Smith and wicketkeeper Josh Inglis’ match-winning knocks guided Australia to an eight-wicket win in the ODI series opener.
