NZ vs PAK: "Babar Azam Is Pakistan's Sachin Tendulkar" - Abdul Razzaq Goes Bersek Despite Pak Captain's Poor Outing In World Cup 2023

Former Pakistan cricketer Abdul Razzaq lauded skipper Babar Azam following the team’s victory over Bangladesh in the ongoing ICC World Cup 2023. Abdul Razzaq called Babar Azam “Pakistan’s Sachin Tendulkar,” comparing him to the legendary Indian batter.

Babar Azam hasn’t lived up to expectations as both a batter and a captain in the World Cup. The right-handed batter has scored 216 runs in seven matches at an average of 30.86 and a strike rate of 77.70. He smashed three half-centuries, but all of them came in losing matches.

Abdul Razzaq Lauds Babar Azam

Abdul Razzaq’s statement underscores the expectation that Babar Azam could potentially achieve legendary status in Pakistani cricket, much like Sachin Tendulkar’s place of honor in the hearts of Indian cricket fans.

“Babar Azam is Pakistan’s Sachin Tendulkar,” said Abdul Razzaq, as a user posted on X (formerly known as Twitter).

‘Babar Azam is Pakistan’s Sachin Tendulkar’ – Abdul Razzaq ? #CWC23 #PAKvsBAN pic.twitter.com/JQsH1XZiYM

— Farid Khan (@_FaridKhan) November 1, 2023

Bangladesh scored 204 runs in Kolkata on Tuesday, October 31. Mahmudullah top-scored with 56 runs, and Liton Das (45) and Shakib Al Hasan (43) contributed crucial runs. Shaheen Afridi and Mohammad Wasim Jr. took three wickets each, while Haris Rauf took two wickets.

In response, Pakistan chased down the target with seven wickets and 17.3 overs to spare. Fakhar Zaman scored 81 off 74 balls, while Abdullah Shafique contributed 68 off 69 balls. They provided a good start, adding a strong 128-run partnership for the opening wicket.

Mohammad Rizwan and Iftikhar Ahmed scored 26 and 17 runs, respectively. Pakistan’s win moved them to the fifth spot in the points table with six points. In contrast, Bangladesh was officially eliminated from the semifinal race with only one win in seven matches.

All Credit To The Boys – Babar Azam

Speaking after the victory, Babar Azam credited his team’s performance in all three aspects of the game. He praised Fakhar Zaman’s natural style and expressed a desire to win the next two matches.

“All credit to the boys the way we played in all three departments. We know, if Fakhar bats for 20-30 overs, it’s a different ball game, he played his natural game. Good to see him. We are trying to win the next two matches, we’ll see where we stand. We started well, the way Shaheen started. After 15-20 overs, they built a partnership, our main bowlers picked wickets. We picked wickets in the middle overs. Thank you (fans) so much for the support,” Babar said.

Also read: PAK vs BAN: Michael Vaughan Lashes Out At PCB For Disrespecting Babar Azam Amid Captaincy Controversy