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Wasim Akram Babar Azam (Image source: Twitter)
Pakistan were subjected to a heartbreaking loss in their 20-20 World Cup opener against India on October 23rd. It was not just the loss but the manner in which they lost is what’s undigestible for the Pakistan fans. The Men in Green had all the control of the match having subjected India to 31/4 at one point.
Their next match was even more shocking as they lost to minnows Zimbabwe after failing to chase even 130. What followed was an emotional outburst from not just the fans but former cricketers alike. One such cricketer was Pakistan legend Wasim Akram who has come up with many reasons why Pakistan lost against Zimbabwe.
He has however singled out one change that Pakistan should have made before going into the World Cup. Speaking with A Sports, Akram said, “In PSL I requested Babar Azam nicely you bat at number three because we have openers and also we had a couple of bad seasons. But Babar Azam refused me, he said I will not go and number three. “
Here's the video:
Babarsons coming to bark on legends @waqyounis99 #waqaryounis #WasimAkram#captincy #T20WC2022 #babarazam #haidarali #selfishbabar @Shoaib_Jatt@wasimakramlive
— Syed (@syedbasitshah_) October 28, 2022
#حقیقی_آزادی_لانگ_مارچ pic.twitter.com/mbrWrK1mIf
Wasim Akram has been vocal about Pakistan’s woeful middle order and has often called for a change in the batting order so that it could be rectified. The calls, however, have fallen on deaf ears and Pakistan’s middle order has again crumbled under pressure against a team like Zimbabwe.
The Babar Azam-led side managed to halt Zimbabwe at 130 in 20 overs. However, they failed to achieve the small target after both openers Mohammad Rizwan (14) and Babar Azam (4) departed early. Chasing 130, Pakistan had a collapse in the middle order with only Shan Masood playing a valiant inning of 44 off of 38 deliveries.
In the end, Pakistan failed to make three runs off the last ball and lost by one run. As a result of it, they now languish at fifth in Group 2 and have a very tough road ahead. The group is topped by India with four points while South Africa sit in second with three points.