Babar Azam, the Pakistani batting star, has once again found himself under the harsh glare of online criticism after a disappointing performance in the Big Bash League (BBL) 15 qualifier. Playing for the Sydney Sixers against the Perth Scorchers, Azam was dismissed for a two-ball duck, adding to a string of inconsistent performances in the tournament.
The incident occurred early in the Sixers' innings while chasing a target of 148. Cooper Connolly's delivery drifted outside off stump, tempting Azam to play a lofted shot. However, the ball gripped the surface, turned sharply, and beat the bat completely. Perth Scorchers' wicketkeeper, Josh Inglis, was quick to collect the ball and flick the bails, catching Azam's back foot millimeters above the ground. The third umpire's review confirmed the dismissal, sending shockwaves through the Sixers' camp and igniting a storm on social media.
This early exit is the latest in a series of performances that have fallen short of expectations for the Pakistani batsman in the BBL. In 11 matches, Azam has scored 202 runs at an average of 22.44 and a strike rate of 103.06, including two half-centuries. While he has shown glimpses of his brilliance, his strike rate has been a major point of concern, as it is considered slow for the fast-paced nature of T20 cricket.
The online reaction was swift and brutal, with fans and critics alike taking to social media to express their disappointment. The phrase "Only wasted two balls" became a common refrain, highlighting the frustration with Azam's inability to contribute to the team's cause in this crucial match. Some fans questioned his suitability for the T20 format, while others drew comparisons to his performances in international cricket.
Azam's BBL journey has been a mixed bag. He started his BBL career with the Sydney Sixers with a score of 2 runs off 5 balls. He then followed this up with 9 runs off 10 balls in his second match. He did score a half-century against the Sydney Thunder, notching up 58 runs off 42 deliveries. However, he has struggled to maintain consistency, often falling prey to early dismissals.
Despite the criticism, it is important to remember that Azam is a world-class player with a proven track record. He has the ability to turn things around and make significant contributions to the Sydney Sixers in the remainder of the BBL season. However, he will need to address his strike rate and find ways to score more quickly if he wants to silence his critics and lead his team to victory.
