Shoaib Akhtar Criticizes Babar Azam’s Slow Knock Against New Zealand in Champions Trophy Opener

Former Pakistan pacer Shoaib Akhtar has lashed out at captain Babar Azam for his slow and conservative approach in Pakistan’s opening match of the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 against New Zealand. Akhtar, in his post-match analysis on ‘Game On Hai,’ expressed disappointment in Babar’s batting, saying that he has “no intention to improve” and that his approach cost Pakistan dearly in the chase.

Babar struggled to accelerate while chasing New Zealand’s 321-run target, scoring 64 off 90 balls at a strike rate of just 71.11. His innings, which included his fifth-slowest 50-plus ODI score, failed to provide the necessary momentum as Pakistan fell short by 60 runs, finishing at 260 in 47.2 overs. The defeat not only left Pakistan’s net run rate at -1.20 but also turned their upcoming match against India into a virtual knockout.

Criticizing Babar’s approach, Akhtar remarked that Pakistan’s captain lacks the awareness and adaptability needed for longer formats. He compared modern-day cricket with past eras, stating that even tailenders in the 80s and 90s were taught to play run-a-ball. He further added that a team cannot be managed with an aggressive attitude alone, referencing the fictional character Maula Jatt to highlight that leadership requires intelligence and method beyond just raw aggression.

While Babar’s innings was notably slow, the rest of the top order also struggled, contributing to Pakistan’s batting collapse. Saud Shakeel managed only 6 off 19 balls, Mohammad Rizwan scored 3 off 14, and Fakhar Zaman, before getting injured, made 24 off 41. However, middle-order batters Salman Agha and Khushdil Shah provided some resistance, with Salman scoring 42 off 28 balls (six fours and a six) and Khushdil smashing 69 off 49 balls (10 fours and a six). Despite their efforts, Pakistan couldn’t recover from the slow start.

In contrast, New Zealand dominated with the bat, riding on brilliant centuries from Will Young (107 off 113 balls, 12 fours, one six) and Tom Latham (118 off 104 balls, 10 fours, three sixes). Glenn Phillips provided the finishing touch with a blistering 61 off 39 balls, which included three fours and four sixes, propelling New Zealand to a commanding total of 321.

Babar’s form has been a concern for Pakistan, as he has failed to score an international century since his 151-run knock against Nepal in the Asia Cup 2023. In his last 10 ODIs, he has accumulated 354 runs at an average of 44.25 and a strike rate of just over 76, with three half-centuries and a highest score of 73.

With a crucial match against India looming, Babar and the team will need to reassess their approach if they hope to stay in contention in the Champions Trophy.