Shahid Afridi destroys Babar Azam with 'when a captain inspires' dig after Adelaide ODI win

Legendary Pakistan National Cricket Team all-rounder Shahid Afridi took a brutal dig at former Pakistan captain Babar Azam after the amazing victory of the team in the second ODI against the Australia National Cricket Team.

While taking a dig at Babar Azam, Shahid Afridi lauded Mohammad Rizwan for leading his team to a 9-wicket win in the ODI match against Australia at the Adelaide Oval in Adelaide.

Pakistan delivered a great performance in Adelaide

After losing the first ODI, the Men In Green bounced back strong in the second game and delivered one of their best performances in recent memory.

Winning the toss and bowling first, the Pakistan bowling unit dismantled the Australian batting unit and bundled them out for 163 in 35 overs.

The express pacer Haris Rauf bowled sensational lines and lengths and troubled the Aussies. He was breathing fire and managed to dismiss five Australian batters in his 8 overs.

Rauf received great support from Shaheen Afridi as the left-arm pacer bagged a 3-wicket haul, while Naseem Shah and Mohammad Hasnain grabbed one wicket each.

Chasing the total, Saim Ayub and Abdullah Shafique showcased a sheer batting masterclass. The duo looked mostly untroubled in the middle and played brilliant knocks.

Saim Ayub scored 82 runs before getting out, while Abdullah Shafique remained unbeaten at 64 and steered Pakistan to a 9-wicket win along with Babar Azam (15) in 26.3 overs.

It was the 18th win for Pakistan in Australia in 54 ODI matches played Down Under, and it is the highest number of wins in ODIs against Australia in their own backyard among the Asian nations.

When a captain inspires, the team fires! - Shahid Afridi

The legendary all-rounder Shahid Afridi took to his official X handle to share his views on the match. He lauded Mohammad Rizwan for his captaincy and took a dig at his predecessor, Babar Azam, for not inspiring the team. Shahid Afridi also lauded Haris Rauf, Shaheen Afridi, Saim Ayub, and Abdullah Shafique.

"When a captain inspires, the team fires! What a phenomenal comeback performance by Pakistan in Adelaide – securing our first-ever nine-wicket win over world champions Australia on their home turf! This victory is a huge confidence booster for the ODIs ahead," Shahid Afridi wrote.

"The word ‘marvelous’ barely does justice to today’s stellar display from Rizwan, Haris, Shaheen, Saim, and Abdullah. Lads, keep believing in yourselves and inshallah even more successes are just around the corner."

When a captain inspires, the team fires!

What a phenomenal comeback performance by Pakistan in Adelaide – securing our first-ever nine-wicket win over world champions Australia on their home turf! This victory is a huge confidence booster for the ODIs ahead.

The word…

— Shahid Afridi (@SAfridiOfficial) November 8, 2024

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Pakistani fast bowler roaring in Australia - Mohammad Hafeez

Former Pakistan all-rounder Mohammad Hafeez was particularly impressed with the way the Pakistan pacers bowled on Australian soil and showed aggression. He opined that the Australian batting unit looked in shambles while facing Pakistan bowlers. He stated:

"Pakistani fast bowler roaring in Australia . Hitting the right area with aggression & discipline. Australian batting line up looked completely shambled. Well bowled for his fiver @HarisRauf14. Good bowling @iShaheenAfridi. Good captaincy @iMRizwanPak. #PAKvsAUS."

Pakistani 🇵🇰 fast bowler roaring in Australia 🇦🇺. Hitting the right area with aggression & discipline. Australian batting line up looked completely shambled. Well bowled for his fiver @HarisRauf14. Good bowling @iShaheenAfridi. Good captaincy @iMRizwanPak. #PAKvsAUS

— Mohammad Hafeez (@MHafeez22) November 8, 2024

Meanwhile, Mohammad Amir showered rich praise on Haris Rauf for his five-wicket haul and backed Pakistan to win the third ODI to seal the series. He stated:

"Well done boys what a win .Must say what a bowling spell by @HarisRauf14 .great chance to win the series."

Well done boys what a win .Must say what a bowling spell by @HarisRauf14 .great chance to win the series 🙌.

— Mohammad Amir (@iamamirofficial) November 8, 2024