50 off 36 Balls: Why Babar Azam Is Being Trolled Despite Scoring a Half-Century

Former Pakistan captain Babar Azam found himself under the scanner despite scoring a half-century in the third and final T20 match against Australia on February 1. The match was played at the Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore, where Babar’s slow-paced innings became a talking point on social media.

Fifty Comes Off 36 Balls at a Modest Pace

Babar walked in to bat at number four and stayed unbeaten till the end of the innings. He scored 50 not out off 36 balls, registering a strike rate of 138.89. During his knock, Babar managed only three fours and one six, which many fans felt was below modern T20 standards.

Pakistan Post Big Total Despite Slow Knock

After winning the toss, Pakistan chose to bat first and posted a strong total of 207/6 in 20 overs. Saim Ayub top-scored with 56 runs, while Shadab Khan provided late fireworks with a blistering 46 off just 19 balls. Despite the big total, Babar’s innings attracted criticism rather than praise.

Social Media Trolls Target Babar Azam

Soon after the innings, social media platforms were flooded with reactions questioning Babar’s approach. Many users argued that while the runs came, the tempo of his batting slowed down the momentum during crucial middle overs.

Strike Rate Concerns Ahead of T20 World Cup

Babar Azam’s strike rate has once again raised concerns ahead of the upcoming T20 World Cup. After the ICC T20 World Cup 2024, Babar was dropped from Pakistan’s T20 setup and remained out of the format for a significant period before making a comeback.

Comeback Raises Questions About Form

Despite being recalled just before the World Cup and named in the squad, Babar’s recent performances have failed to silence critics. His inability to accelerate has become a recurring issue, especially in an era where aggressive batting is the norm in T20 cricket.

Poor Run Continues Beyond International Cricket

Babar’s struggles were not limited to international matches. He also featured in the Big Bash League, but failed to make a strong impact there as well, further adding to concerns about his form and intent heading into the global tournament.