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 […]
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.
“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.
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— Shahid Afridi (@SAfridiOfficial) March 31, 2022
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.
lost his tempo? he literally scored 114 (83) at a SR of 137..if that wasn’t a matchwinning innings, I haven’t seen one in my life..distasteful tweet. pic.twitter.com/T5sJpbf3w2
— Salaar (@caniyaar) March 31, 2022
Lost his temp0
— Naeem Ullah (@NaeemUL58165315) March 31, 2022
— Moosaa
Lala toxic 90s batch se hain toh aesa statement is not a surprise. He wants Babar to score 0(1) in every match I guess.
— Umar (@iamumar46) March 31, 2022
I had to look at the scorecard again after seeing this tweet. True, Babar was very slow, should have scored 200 not out in 90 balls!
— the_cricket_monk (@pitre_rohit) March 31, 2022
Not quite sure if I misunderstood this tweet, but is he actually throwing criticism at @babarazam258? Lost his tempo? Step up as a match-winner? You’re a legend but what game were you watching? He did every bit you said and more. He’s well on the way to being the GOAT.
— AC (@Asif_C) March 31, 2022
Look who’s talking about tempo
— samz (@imsamad_92) March 31, 2022
Exactly! Khud ya retired cricketers 20 maay say 1 match maay perform krtay thay. Baten krwa lo bus…
I’m just baffled that he thinks that Babar isn’t a match winner! Lol— Salman Qaiser (@salmanbutt93) March 31, 2022
You were the reason when i get in love with cricket but now i think i started hating you🥲 I don’t Love you Lala you broke my heart Today
I love #BabarAzam𓃵 https://t.co/12CsSAjgU3— (I’m Pakistan)Syed Ali Hassan
You jealous babar getting all the fame and public attention you had in past you bozo https://t.co/KGZ1DosFe8
— a (@hornyhaland) March 31, 2022
I’m crying at how stupid this tweet is
— noor (@theycantplayhim) March 31, 2022
shahid bhai mere bardasht ki aik hadd hai so pls don’t limit the cross https://t.co/Df6kTD8uyp
— 𝙪𝙢𝙖𝙧 (@khokharumarr) March 31, 2022
I’m sorry lala I can’t defend you at this
— bobsenthusiast (@pakcricforever) March 31, 2022
What the hell is this
— Umar Numan (@umar_numan) March 31, 2022
!Good start by 
(@hahahapkonho) 
