"Mulk Pehle ya Babar Azam"- Basit Ali rips apart Pakistan veteran after NZ humiliation

Babar Azam might have scored a fifty in the Champions Trophy 2025 opener against New Zealand at Karachi, but the star Pakistan cricketer was brutally slammed for his slow knock in which he never looked in control.

Babar Azam scored 64 off 90 balls in Pakistan's run-chase of 321 runs. His slow knock was criticized by the former Pakistan cricketers and Basit Ali left no stone unturned in questioning the intent of the star batter.

Basit questioned Babar's willingness to play for his country by claiming that his knock was just for the personal milestone. While trying to play the role of an anchor, Babar couldn't keep the scoring rate ticking along which left his team a lot to do in the end.

Also read: ICC Champions Trophy 2025: Revealed - How can Pakistan qualify for semi-finals after loss to New Zealand

"Mulk Pehle ya Babar Azam" - Basit Ali slams Pakistan star

While speaking on a show on ARY News after the match, Basit Ali shed light on Babar's knock and its impact on the game. Basit questioned Babar's intent and wondered whether the batter was playing for himself or the country.

The former Pakistan batter even argued that Babar is more important than the whole country since his slow knock didn't do any good to Pakistan and even pushed them back in the game further.

"Babar Azam scored his fifty in 80 balls, he scored 64 runs in 90 balls. Was he playing for himself or for the country? Is Babar Azam more important than Pakistan (Mulk Pehle ya Babar Azam)? Who will ask Babar about this performance?" Basit said.

Basit Ali said "Babar Azam scored his fifty in 80 balls, he scored 64 runs in 90 balls. Was he playing for himself or for the country? Is Babar more important than Pakistan? Who will ask Babar about this performance? 🇵🇰🤯🤯 #ChampionsTrophy2025 pic.twitter.com/22Q1ekHnXu

— Farid Khan (@_FaridKhan) February 20, 2025

Unusual knock from Babar Azam

It was an unusual knock from Babar as he struggled for most part of the innings. He came in to open the innings with Saud Shakeel and despite trying to show intent, he never troubled the New Zealand bowlers.

Pakistan could score just 22 runs in the first 10 overs due to some disciplined bowling from New Zealand's bowlers. Babar tried to find boundaries regularly but was unable to rotate the strike which mounted the pressure on him.

The 30-year-old reached his fifty off 64 balls. After reaching his half-century, it seemed like Babar would accelerate. But some tight bowling from the opposition didn't allow him to free his arms.

Babar was finally dismissed for 64 off 90 deliveries as he tried to sweep Mitchell Santner but got a top edge and was easily caught by Kane Williamson inside the circle. He struck 6 fours and 1 six during his knock.

New Zealand start with a win

New Zealand, meanwhile, started its Champions Trophy campaign on a positive note by thrashing the hosts Pakistan by 60 runs. Batting first, the Kiwis scored 320-5 on the back of brilliant hundreds from Will Young and Tom Latham.

In reply, Pakistan were bundled out for just 260 with more than two overs to spare. Babar scored 64 while Khushdil Shah top-scored with a brilliant 69 off 49 balls. Mitchell Santner and Will O'Rourke picked up three wickets each for New Zealand.