"Get Out"- Wasim Akram to Babar Azam after Pakistan get mauled in Champions Trophy 2025 opener

Wasim Akram has criticized star batter Babar Azam for his slow knock against New Zealand in the opening match of the ICC Champions Trophy 2025. The legendary pacer stated that such a slow scoring rate is outdated in modern cricket, adding that Babar played cautiously despite being the set batter.

Babar Azam registered his first ODI half-century as an opener against New Zealand at the National Stadium in Karachi on Wednesday, February 19. The right-handed batter was dismissed after scoring 64 runs off 90 balls. Pakistan suffered a 60-run loss, getting bowled out for 260 runs while chasing 321.

It's Not On in This Day and Age - Wasim Akram

Wasim Akram stated that a low strike rate is unacceptable in modern cricket. He mentioned that he would prefer Babar to score a quick 35 off 30 balls rather than a sluggish 64 off 90 deliveries. Akram also pointed out that Salman Ali Agha took the risks despite Babar being the set batter.

“I don’t want 60 off 90 balls from my main player. I’d rather have him getting 35 off 30 balls and get out instead of getting 64 off 90 balls. It’s not on in this day and age,” Akram said on the show “Dressing Room.”

“Babar was the set batter but it was Salman who was taking the risk,” he added.

Babar Azam's Cautious Approach Had Put Pressure on Other Batters

New Zealand set a strong target of 320/5 in the opening match of the Champions Trophy in Karachi. Will Young and Tom Latham smashed centuries.

Pakistan struggled from the start and managed to score only 22 runs in the powerplay. With Fakhar Zaman unavailable due to injury, Babar Azam opened alongside Saud Shakeel, but the makeshift pair failed to provide momentum. Pakistan lost two wickets early, leaving them at 22/2 after 10 overs.

Babar Azam's cautious approach added pressure as the required run rate climbed. His knock came at a strike rate of 71.11 before he was dismissed by Mitchell Santner in the 34th over. Pakistan were bowled out for 260 in 47.2 overs.

Pakistan Set to Face India in Must-Win Clash at Dubai International Stadium on February 23

Babar Azam’s recent dip in form also affected his ICC rankings ahead of the Champions Trophy 2025. After the tri-series against South Africa and New Zealand, he lost his top spot in the ODI rankings, with Indian opener Shubman Gill replacing him as the No. 1 batter.

Meanwhile, Mohammad Rizwan admitted that Pakistan lost momentum both at the end of their bowling innings and at the start of their chase. He pointed out that Fakhar Zaman’s injury further disrupted their plans, as he was unable to bat for a set period.

With the defeat in the opening game, Pakistan now faces a must-win clash against arch-rivals India. The high-stakes encounter is set to take place at the Dubai International Stadium on Sunday, February 23.

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