IND vs PAK: "Babar Azam Must Come Out Of This Average Mindset"- Shahid Afridi Criticizes Pakistani Opener's Strategy

Shahid Afridi, a former captain of Pakistan, criticised Babar Azam‘s strategy and said he needed to rise beyond his usual frame of mind. The Pakistani skipper should set lofty goals for his opponents, according to Afridi. 

In reaction to Babar Azam’s remarks made prior to Pakistan’s game against Bangladesh in the present tri-series in Christchurch, the 42-year-old made his remarks.

Babar Azam has previously stated that he was considering giving Bangladesh a goal of 160 runs to reach. The veteran all-rounder questioned Babar Azam’s grand intentions and advised him to get off this ordinary attitude. 

Shahid Afridi Not Impressed By Babar Azam’s Mindset

“Babar must come out of this average mindset and think big. If scoring 160 runs for the target against Bangladesh was his big intent, then what is he going to do against stronger teams,” said Afridi. 

In addition, Afridi analysed the performance of Pakistan opener and wicketkeeper Mohammad Rizwan. The best T20 hitter in the world at the moment is Rizwan. Afridi advised Rizwan to disregard everyone’s advice and carry on playing the way he does. 

“The actual thing is the beginning. Babar and Rizwan should score the chunk of runs [for other batters]. Rizwan shouldn’t listen to anyone,” Afridi added. 

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Nasser Hussain Draws Attention To Obvious Flaw In Pakistan’s Batting Line-up

Meanwhile, Nasser Hussain, a former England captain, drew attention to an obvious flaw in Pakistan’s and India’s batting lineups. 

“At the start of T20 cricket, everyone talked about how there is no need to worry about number 7, they’ll probably get like seven balls to face, so might as well play the extra bowler. But actually, if you have a solid number 7, then it means that your top six can absolutely go for it.

That has been an issue for India, they don’t have enough all-rounders and Pakistan as well. Babar and Rizwan are so worried about the depth of their batting, so 20 overs becomes a very long time,” Hussain said. 

Before taking on England in their opening exhibition game for the 2019 ICC Men’s T20 World Cup, Pakistan is scheduled to square off with Bangladesh.