ODI World Cup 2023

‘Babar has been statpadding forever’- Fans react as Herschelle Gibbs slams Babar Azam for his poor strike-rate against NZ

In the ongoing World Cup game between New Zealand and Pakistan, the Kiwis smashed 401 in the first innings after being asked to bat first by Babar Azam. The Kiwis got off […]

Nov 4, 2023 7:03 pm

In the ongoing World Cup game between New Zealand and Pakistan, the Kiwis smashed 401 in the first innings after being asked to bat first by Babar Azam. The Kiwis got off to a good start as openers Devon Conway and Rachin Ravindra shared a 68-run stand for the first wicket. Conway was dismissed in the 11th over following which Ravindra and skipper Kane Williamson bullied Pakistan for more than 20 overs.

Both the batters played some exquisite shots and forged a memorable 180-run alliance, one that entertained fans to bits. Ravindra ended up scoring 108, his third century of this World Cup while Williamson fell five short of his 14th century in the format. The likes of Daryl Mitchell, Mark Chapman, Glenn Phillips and Mitchell Santner, all played useful cameos to take New Zealand to the eventual score. Pakistan’s bowlers, barring Mohammad Wasim Jr had a forgettable outing. Wasim picked up three wickets for 60 runs in his quota of 10 overs while the rest of the bowlers leaked 333 runs in 40 overs at an economy rate of 8.32.

‘Can someone tell Babar they chasing 400’ – Herschelle Gibbs

In the chase, Pakistan lost an early wicket in the form of Abdullah Shafique but the duo of Fakhar Zaman and Babar Azam rebuilt the innings with Zaman smashing a 63-ball century. While Zaman took the aggressive route, Babar chose to play defensively, trying to hold one end.

Former Proteas batter, Herschelle Gibbs wasn’t impressed with Babar’s approach as he slammed him on social media. Babar took 41 deliveries for his first 35 runs which didn’t sit well with Gibbs.

“Can someone tell Babar they chasing 400…”, he wrote on X. A few people agreed with Gibbs’ assessment as they felt that Babar was playing way too slow and that the situation demanded aggression. However, others defended the modern-day great, insisting that it is important for him to stick around until the back end of the innings.

Here are some of the reactions:

He doesn’t cares about PAK victory

He wants his own stats 😂😂

— Hammer and Gavel (@hammer_gavel) November 4, 2023

Babar Azam was just anchoring the inning and Fakhar Zaman was accelerating so he can’t through his wicket as wicket in hand is always a key.

— King Babar Azam Army (@babarazamking_) November 4, 2023