PAK vs NZ: Harsha Bhogle Makes A Staggering Remark On Babar Azam

Pakistan National Cricket Team is all set to clash against New Zealand for a white ball leg series. The T20Is are scheduled to commence on 14th April. Babar Azam will return back to the side after taking a sabbatical from Afghanistan T20I Series. Babar Azam was the second-highest run-scorer in PSL 2023 with 480 runs to his name.

New Zealand’s star players won’t be available due to IPL commitments as Tom Latham will lead the side. The Black Caps would be booming with confidence after thrashing Sri Lanka in the ODI Series, due to which Sri Lanka are slated to play ICC Cricket World Cup 2023 Qualifiers in June-July 2023.

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Pakistan on the other side would be aiming to start afresh after a humiliating T20I Series defeat against Afghanistan. The problem with Pakistan is that they still don’t have a reliable middle order, they are too much dependent on Babar Azam & Mohammad Rizwan which doesn’t keep the team in good stead.

Also Read: PAK vs NZ: Shaheen Afridi, Babar Azam, Mohammad Rizwan Return As Pakistan Announce Squads For New Zealand Series

Anchor Role is not suitable in a 180-190 game- Harsha Bhogle

Harsha Bhogle took to his social media handle after the match of Rajasthan Royals (RR) vs Punjab Kings (PBKS). Harsha Bhogle spoke about Babar Azam along with notable batters & pointed out that the anchor role isn’t quite successful in chasing big totals.

“We have been talking about it over the last 2-3 years; about fine players like KL Rahul, Babar Azam, at times even Virat Kohli & Jos Buttler. My view is that in a 150-160 game, you might consider that [anchor] role but not in a 180-190 game,” said Harsha Bhogle.

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This topic is not specific to Shikhar today. We have been talking about it over the last 2-3 years; about fine players like KL Rahul, Babar Azam, at times even Virat Kohli & Jos Buttler. My view is that in a 150-160 game, you might consider that role but not in a 180-190 game https://t.co/NU2h9SemYW

— Harsha Bhogle (@bhogleharsha) April 5, 2023

Also Read: PAK vs NZ: Former Pakistan Captain Sarfaraz Ahmed Wants Babar Azam To Continue To Open For Pakistan

Crucial ODI Series for New Zealand

According to reports, it is believed that Kane Williamson is ruled out of ODI WC 2023 due to his serious knee injury which he sustained while fielding for Gujarat Titans (GT) against CSK. The Black Caps now would be aiming to find a like-for-like replacement quickly as the marquee tournament is scheduled in less than 7 months.

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New Zealand would get ample match practice ahead of ODI WC 2023 as conditions in Pakistan are quite similar in India. All eyes would be on Ish Sodhi as the shrewd leg spinner will have to lead the spin attack in the absence of Mitchell Santner who is playing for CSK in IPL 2023.

Also Read: PAK vs NZ: Sarfaraz Ahmed Chooses Mohammad Asif Ahead Of Mohammad Amir And Shaheen Afridi