Pakistan’s T20I captain Babar Azam is not new to criticism for his slow strike rate in T20I cricket. He often remains under fire for his slow batting, however, this time he faced a challenge along with criticism.
Basit Ali, a former Pakistani batter, has issued a bold challenge to Babar Azam. The challenge? Hit three consecutive sixes against top-tier teams in the upcoming T20 World Cup 2024, and Basit Ali will delete his YouTube channel.
This challenge, announced in a video by Basit Ali himself, has sparked intrigue and debate among cricket enthusiasts. Ali’s condition is clear: the sixes must come against formidable opponents, not against the likes of minnows like the USA or Ireland.
“If Babar Azam hits three straight sixes against top teams, not against the likes of the USA or Ireland, I will shut down my YouTube channel. If he accepts this challenge, he should say that he accepts it. And if he can’t hit those sixes in the World Cup, then he shouldn’t open the batting,” said Ali.
For Babar Azam, this challenge adds another layer of pressure as he prepares to lead Pakistan in his third consecutive T20 World Cup. The 29-year-old batter, recently reinstated as the white-ball captain, faces immense expectations from fans and critics alike.
As Pakistan gears up for the T20 World Cup, Azam’s form and leadership will be under the microscope. The team’s recent performance, including a drawn T20I series against an inexperienced New Zealand side, has left room for improvement.
With upcoming matches against Ireland and England serving as crucial preparation, Azam has an opportunity to silence his critics and lead by example on the field.
Babar Azam’s track record in T20Is speaks volumes about his capabilities as a batsman. With 114 T20Is under his belt, Azam has amassed 3823 runs, including three centuries and 34 fifties, at a commendable strike rate of 129.41. His highest score of 122 underscores his ability to anchor the innings and play match-winning knocks when the team needs him the most.
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