Pakistan will aim to seal a third Asia Cup title on Sunday (September 11) when they face Sri Lanka in the summit clash of the 2022 Asia Cup final at the Dubai International stadium. After losing their first game to India in the group stage, the Men in Green made a solid comeback to beat Hong Kong, India, and Afghanistan in their next three matches.
In the dress rehearsal of the summit clash, Sri Lanka sealed a comfortable victory over the Men in Green. The five-time champions had a dream run in the tournament despite making a shocking start that saw them lose by 9-wickets to Afghanistan in their first game.
The remarkable thing about Pakistan’s run to the final has been that it has come despite Babar Azam not firing. In fact, the Pakistan skipper has been in some horrific form having scored just 63 runs in five matches at a poor average of just 12.50.
While Babar’s poor run of form has made things tough for Pakistan, ex-Indian cricketer Gautam Gambhir has called another batter as the player who has disappointed him. Talking about Babar’s form, he said the Pakistan skipper just needs to bat 15-20 overs in the middle and claimed this tournament showed that Pakistan are not overdependent on him.
“Babar Azam is right now among the top four batters in world cricket and despite that, if you are struggling to find singles and doubles, then either your form is bad or your mental aspect is that you came thinking that you just have to play 15-20 overs to get your form,” said Gambhir on Star Sports.
“I don’t think they have that much overdependency on Babar Azam, considering his form in this tournament and despite that, they are playing the final. So it is a good thing from their point of view,” he added.
Gambhir further stated Pakistan have been overdependent on Mohammad Rizwan in the Asia Cup and explained it is crucial for Fakhar Zaman to find form soon.
“They are definitely dependent on Rizwan because he is their aggressor and he gives them the momentum any team wants in the first six overs. Babar is world class, he can come in form anytime but Fakhar Zaman has disappointed me. It is extremely important for Fakhar Zaman to come in form,” Gambhir stated.
Much like, Zaman has not got runs in the tournament batting at number three. So far, he has scored just 96 runs in five matches in the event.Rizwan is the second highest run-getter in the tournament behind Virat Kohli with 226 runs to his name.