’50 bana ke safe ho jata hu team gai tel lene’ – Fans react as Pakistan skipper Babar Azam fails to capitalize on promising start against South Africa in Chennai

In a do-or-die game against South Africa, Pakistan skipper Babar Azam once again failed to convert a good start into a big innings. After coming to bat when his team was struggling, Babar scored a half-century in 64 balls before losing his wicket to spinner Tabrez Shamsi.

Coming to bat in the first powerplay, Babar sparked a 48-run partnership with wicketkeeper-batter Mohammad Rizwan. Rizwan, in his inning, scored 31 runs off 27 balls with the help of four fours and a six. After his departure, all-rounder Iftikhar Ahmed joined Babar in the middle. Both batters took the charge and added 43 runs for the fourth wicket. Iftikhar, in his innings, scored 21 runs off 31 balls with the help of a four and a six.

However, when all batters returned to the pavilion, Pakistan was looking at their skipper to step up and play a long and impactful inning. But while trying to sweep Tabrez Shamsi over the midfield, Babar made soft contact with the ball as it was caught by wicketkeeper Quinton de Kock behind the wickets. This is Babar’s third half-century in the ongoing tournament and the second consecutive one; however, the previous two came in losing.

Pakistan is desperate to win the game against South Africa

It is worth noting that after facing three back-to-back defeats against India, Australia, and Afghanistan, the Pakistan cricket team is in deep trouble. The men in green need to win their remaining four games to stay in the race for the playoffs, while a loss here will virtually ensure their elimination from the ongoing tournament. In desperation to win the game against South Africa, Pakistan tried to test the in-form Proteas by batting first in Chennai.

Their decision backfired, as the team lost its first two wickets for a mere 38 runs. Openers Abdullah Shafique and Imam-Ul-Haq were dismissed by South African pacer Marco Jansen. Shafique in his innings scored 9 runs off 17 balls, while Imam in his innings scored 12 runs off 18 balls. Rizwan and Iftikhar tried to form a partnership with Babar Azam but failed against the quality bowling attack of South Africa.

Here is how fans react to Babar Azam’s performance against South Africa:

https://twitter.com/Cricjunction008/status/1717854501560832023?s=20

https://x.com/IAmGrootX18/status/1717854322711797839?s=20

https://twitter.com/PKMKB_93K/status/1717854436314501608?s=20

https://twitter.com/arvindKejri420/status/1717854560268787810?s=20