Shahid Afridi faces flak for criticising Babar Azam after Pakistan’s record win

Pakistan recorded their highest successful run-chase in the second ODI against Australia on March 31 (Thursday), but seemingly still couldn’t impress Shahid Afridi. They chased down 349 runs with six wickets in hand courtesy of stunning centuries from Imam-ul-Haq and skipper Babar Azam. Babar Azam was at his fluent best on the day and received […]
 By CricXtasy Staff Apr 1, 2022, 11:53 IST
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Shahid Afridi faces flak for criticising Babar Azam after Pakistan’s record win

Pakistan recorded their highest successful run-chase in the second ODI against Australia on March 31 (Thursday), but seemingly still couldn’t impress Shahid Afridi. They chased down 349 runs with six wickets in hand courtesy of stunning centuries from Imam-ul-Haq and skipper Babar Azam. Babar Azam was at his fluent best on the day and received massive praise from a lot of former cricketers for playing a sublime knock in the must-win game for Pakistan.

However, former Pakistan cricketer Shahid Afridi surprisingly felt Babar lost his tempo during the chase and stated that he is still waiting for the skipper to step up as a match winner. Interestingly, Babar Azam got out after scoring 114 runs off 83 balls with Pakistan still needing 40 runs off 34 balls.

Maybe Shahid Afridi was expecting him to finish the game. Further in his tweet, Afridi lauded the whole team, especially Imam, Shaheen Afridi and Khushdil Shah for their contributions to the team. 

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“Amazing WIN! Good start by @babarazam258 but lost his tempo, waiting for him to step up as a match winner. Regardless, great overall performances by  @KhushdilShah_ @ImamUlHaq12@iShaheenAfridi You made us proud Keep it up boys,” Afridi tweeted.

But the Pakistan fans were not impressed with Shahid Afridi for criticising Babar Azam despite playing one of the best knocks of his career. While some felt it was a distasteful tweet, a few questioned Afridi if he ever chased down such totals in his career.

A high-scoring encounter between Australia and Pakistan

It was yet another high-scoring encounter between Australia and Pakistan. The visitors had crossed the 300-run mark in the opening game as well and won the game. Even in the second ODI, they were propelled by Ben McDermott’s century while Travis Head (89) and Marnus Labuschagne (59) scored enterprising fifties.

Chasing a mammoth 349, Pakistan were always on track in the chase thanks to the opening stand of 118 runs between Fakhar Zaman and Imam-ul-Haq. The latter scored his second consecutive ton but later Babar Azam took control of the innings and paced his knock beautifully. By the time he got out, Pakistan were almost certain of a victory with Khushdil Shah and Iftikhar Ahmed completing the formalities.

Meanwhile, Shahid Afridi faced flak for criticising the Pakistan skipper despite playing a brilliant innings.

Here are some of the tweets in response to Shahid Afridi:

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