ODI World Cup 2023

‘Kya itna bura hu mai?’ – Fans react as New Zealand legend Shane Bond rates Scott Edwards higher than Babar Azam

In a video posted by ESPN Cricinfo, former New Zealand pacer, Shane Bond has rated Netherlands’ Scott Edwards as a batter captain as opposed to Pakistan’s Babar Azam. Bond joins a large group of former cricketers and experts who have been critical of Babar Azam’s captaincy which includes the likes of Wasim Akram, Ramiz Raja and Misbah ul Haq.

Under Babar’s leadership, Pakistan has lost three games on the trot after having started their campaign with two successive wins against the Netherlands and Sri Lanka. The three defeats to India, Australia and Afghanistan have all been heavy ones and have put the team’s hopes of qualifying for the semi-finals in jeopardy. A few days back, former India batter, Gautam Gambhir also criticized Babar Azam for his defensive approach, both as a batsman and captain. The 42-year-old urged Babar to play an attacking brand of cricket and set a precedent for his teammates.

“He has to score runs and make his team win because if he scored 50 off 60 or 70 balls or scored 80 off 120 balls, there is no use. The way he played against India, gave me an impression that he put more pressure on the rest of the batting unit and he did not release the pressure. If you want the team to play aggressive cricket, you have to lead from the front. Babar has to play freely, he has to play out-of-the-box cricket, and even out-of-the-box captaincy if Pakistan is to make the semi-final,” he said while speaking to Star Sports.

Pakistan have some tough games now as they are due to face South Africa, Bangladesh, New Zealand and England and they will have to put their best foot forward if they aspire to make it to the knockouts.

Scott Edwards leaves experts impressed

Meanwhile, Scott Edwards, the skipper of Netherlands has earned the appreciation of fans and experts alike for his commendable performance as a leader in the ongoing World Cup. The Netherlands defeated South Africa in Match 15 of the tournament to create what is now the biggest moment in the country’s cricketing history. They also put up a valiant effort against Sri Lanka, despite eventually losing due to their lack of experience.

Edwards has been a major factor in the Netherlands’ success in recent months, and his calm and composed demeanour has had a significant impact on the team. He and the Netherlands will be eager to ensure that the team continues to punch above their weight and take back some happy memories with them.

Here’s how Twitter reacted to Shane Bond’s choice of Scott Edwards over Babar Azam:

As a batter, Babar is miles ahead.
As a captain, Scott is galaxies ahead.

— Abhishek (@vicharabhio) October 26, 2023

 

Babar azam- kya itna bura hu mai maa pic.twitter.com/ivFsP1ddZO

— Kirkett (@bhaskar_sanu08) October 26, 2023

Gazab bezzti he yaar 😂😆🤣 pic.twitter.com/jv9Dk2hjUG

— Johns (@JohnyBravo183) October 26, 2023

Babar to his players after listening to this. pic.twitter.com/u7TBABq4G6

— J J (@theAbsoluteJJ) October 26, 2023

Pretty obvious,with resources scott has , he is doing very good job

— Cricket Guruji  (@CricketGuruji6) October 26, 2023

He was absolutely right and spot on babar is the worst captain in this World Cup and in entire cricket world #PAKvsSA pic.twitter.com/8aOjMh1WpR

— Unpadh (@Jakharr_R) October 26, 2023

 

Bold but right decision. Edwards is a captain material. On the other hand Babar Azam was a better player back when he was not a captain. Captaincy have even ruined his batting.

— Zoya Khan (@SweetZzoya) October 26, 2023

Scott Edwards is definitely one of the best captain in cricket right now.If he will get a better team support,he has potential to make a team world champion. That's why Nederlands is slowly becoming an improved team.

— Hitartha Bairagi (@BairagiHitartha) October 26, 2023