LAHORE: Pakistan’s all-format captain, Babar Azam scored a magnificent century as he led his side to a historic run-chase against Australia in the second one-day international (ODI) at Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore.
Babar’s sensational knock of 114 off 83 balls set up the perfect platform for the incoming batters to finish off the innings and register Pakistan’s highest run chase in ODI cricket.
Despite being praised by the cricketing fraternity and being named player of the match, Babar Azam was criticized by former Pakistan captain Shahid Afridi.
Taking to his official Twitter handle, the former all-rounder praised the amazing win by Pakistan but stated that Babar lost his tempo, adding that he should step up as a match-winner.
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
“Amazing WIN! Good start by [Babar Azam] but lost his tempo, waiting for him to step up as a match-winner. Regardless, great overall performances by [Khushdil Shah], [Imam-Ul-Haq] and [Shaheen Shah Afridi],” Afridi wrote on Twitter.
The tweet, however, did not sit well with the majority of the people after Pakistan had created history by chasing down the biggest target in the national team’s history, and rightly so. Here are some of the reactions:
Imagine playing one of the best knocks of Odis, scoring a century, getting potm award only to listen 'lost his tempo, waiting for him to step up as a match winner'? ???? he came on 118 and got out on 309. If he has to do everything, what's the purpose of whole team then?
— Nazish Islam (@NazishIslam) March 31, 2022
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
Babar Azam came in at 118/1 and left at 309/3 after scoring a century at a sr. of just under 140. How is that not a match winning performance?
I get wanting to push people further but there are times for criticism and times for praise. This innings deserved nothing but praise. https://t.co/E8oImtKTAT
— Salaar Khan (@Brainmasalaar) April 1, 2022
#Disgusting Statement about this Masterclass of #BabarAzam
Seriously 'Lost his Tempo?
Babar came to bat when Pak need 231 of 187,and left when 40 of 35 appreciate nhi kr skte shahid bhai to degrade bhi na kre plz it was hell of an innings he made it with so ease @SAfridiOfficial https://t.co/15VLHwrHSn— ???? (@born_Realist_IK) March 31, 2022
You’re criticising a player who plays at no.3 for not finishing the match ?!
Babar came in with Pakistan needing 231 off 187 balls.
He left the crease with Pakistan needing 40 off 35 balls.
Criticise only where its needed,
Keep your personal grudges to yourself! Stop passing+— Quaid-e-ghum (@hamna__s) April 1, 2022
