Following a dismal showing in the 2023 World Cup, Babar Azam resigned as Pakistan’s captain in all forms. Australia and Pakistan are facing off in an exciting Boxing Day Test match at the Melbourne Cricket Ground, which promises to be an intense bat-ball match. On Day 1, Pakistan’s deliberate choice to bowl first on a field that favours pacers allowed them to contain Australia, limiting them to 187 runs at a cost of three wickets.
On Day 2, Pakistan’s compelling comeback with the ball dashed Australia’s hopes of scoring more than 400 runs. Australia finished their innings with 318 runs, short of their targeted total, despite their lofty goal. Imam Ul Haq’s early departure for a hard 10 runs dealt a blow to Pakistan, who were chasing a formidable 318. Despite his heroic efforts, he was unable to withstand the unrelenting onslaught from the aggressive Australian pacers.
Shan Masood and Abdullah Shafique, on the other hand, wrote an outstanding partnership that turned Pakistan’s innings around. Shafique’s ejection ended the two’s partnership and changed the direction of the game. There was growing pressure for former Pakistan captain Babar Azam to enter the fight since he has been through a difficult period since the 2023 Asia Cup.
The decline in the form of Babar Azam persists.
After disrupting the vital partnership, Australia’s captain Pat Cummins, full of energy, unleashed a frightening over. The third supply from Cummins turned out to be crucial. The ball was thrown on a decent length, veered back in, and broke through the Babar Azam defense with superb precision before smashing into the off-stump. After contributing just one run and struggling to regain his form, Babar left, leaving Cummins ecstatic with his masterful delivery.
This decision was made in response to Pakistan’s four-match losing run and fifth-place league stage result. His time as captain came to an end on a very negative note as his batting declined, resulting in a tournament high score of 74 and only 320 runs overall. This important ruling for Pakistan cricket was made in spite of Babar’s outstanding ODI average of 56.72 and 19 hundreds, which were offset by his difficult World Cup performance.
‘X’ users’ reactions to Babar Azam’s firing are as follows:
Cummins in last few months:
-Got Virat Kohli in World Cup Final.
-Won his team World Cup.
-Got 20 crores at IPL.
-Got Babar Azam’s wicket.Ending year on a high!#PAKvAUS
— Himanshu Pareek (@Sports_Himanshu) December 27, 2023
Laut aao ya wala Babar Azam!
pic.twitter.com/niKjZWBnLV
— S O H A I L
( سہیل ) (@Msohailsays) December 27, 2023
What an inning. King Babar was 99 runs short from maiden test
#BabarAzam𓃵 pic.twitter.com/TS1tV6LqQC
— ARK tweets
(@IamARK99) December 27, 2023
Australia back in game.
Captain departs for 54 RUNS.#PAKvAUS pic.twitter.com/28PR6OIT1A
— Nawaz
(@Rnawaz31888) December 27, 2023
Babar Azam situation when his fans say :-
– lumber 1
– Fab 1
– Zimbu
– Ghante Ka King
– Bobsy The King
– best in all formatMissed the century at MCG by 99 runs
Plastic King Exposed once again#AUSvPAK #BabarAzam #Zimbabwe pic.twitter.com/l9aCk9LTOA
— Ashutosh Srivastava
(@sri_ashutosh08) December 27, 2023
India
