PAK vs NZ: Watch - Babar Azam Hits Saeed Ajmal In Nets; Video Goes Viral

Pakistan batter Babar Azam is leaving no stone unturned in his preparations for the upcoming T20I series against New Zealand. The two teams are set to face each other in the five games and the series no doubt will mark their preparations for the ICC T20 World Cup 2024. 

Pakistan after a thrashing 3-0 loss against Australia in Tests have arrived in New Zealand for the white-ball series. The first match will be played on 12th January with the second game slated to take place on 14th January. The last three matches will be played on 17th, 19th and 21st January. 

The series will also mark the beginning of a new chapter in Pakistan cricket as after the thrashing loss in World Cup 2023 it will be for the first time they will be playing white-ball format. Shaheen Afridi will be leading the team whereas Babar Azam will be playing as a batter in the team. 

With the first game between Pakistan and New Zealand around the corner, the Men in Green were seen grinding hard in the nets. Of all the players, Babar Azam grabbed the attention of many as he looked in great touch and played some good-looking shots as well. 

Babar Azam was seen practicing against the left-arm spinner and was getting keenly observed by the new bowling coach Saeed Ajmal. The former Pakistan spinner, however, had to be dealt a blow as he was hit hard on the back by a batter’s shot. 

Babar Azam came down the track and played the shot towards the leg side. The ball hit the pole of the nets and the deflected to hit Saeed Ajmal on the back. The video of the incident has gone viral on the internet. Here’s the clip: 

Pakistan team’s training in Auckland 09/01/2024, Saeed Ajmal gets hit by a Babar Azam drive off an Indian Left Arm spinner. Nothing serious 🙂#PAKvsNZ pic.twitter.com/6IjolhSaVC

— Tauseef Satti (@TazzSatti) January 8, 2024

Babar Azam will be key for his team in the upcoming five-match T20I series against New Zealand. The batter is expected to be demoted down and play at No.3 in the series. The batter has been opening in the T20Is and has tasted huge success batting at the top. 

However, his strike rate has always been a matter of concern. With young Saim Ayub in the team, it is expected that the left-hander will open the innings alongside Mohammad Rizwan. 

PAK vs NZ: Babar Azam’s poor form a cause of concern for Pakistan 

Babar Azam in the last few months hasn’t been in his best of touches. The batter has failed to make an impact and his poor form is one of the biggest cause of concern for the team. After his century in the Asia Cup 2023 game against Nepal, he has been torrid with the bat. 

Babar Azam didn’t have the kind of World Cup he would’ve wanted. He failed to score a century, which is surprising because of the caliber he possesses. In the recently concluded Test series against Australia, he failed drastically and managed just 126 runs in 6 innings in the series at an underwhelming average of just 21. 

The upcoming T20I series against New Zealand will be a great opportunity for Babar Azam to regain his touch and get back in form. Team management would be hoping that he returns to his best because he will be extremely crucial for the team going into the ICC T20 World Cup 2024.