Pakistan’s chances of reaching the semi-final of the 2022 T20 World Cup suffered a huge blow as they were beaten by Zimbabwe at the Optus Stadium in Perth on Thursday (October 27). Because of this result, the Babar Azam-led side have lost two games in a row after their heartbreaking four-wicket loss to India at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG).
The result has been described by many as one of the biggest cricketing upsets in history. Not many had given the Craig Erwine-led side a chance against a strong Pakistan side especially at a pitch like the one at Perth where there was a lot of assistance for the Men in Green’s fiery pace-attack
One of the biggest reason behind Pakistan’s defeat was their dependable opening pair failing. Skipper Babar Azam was dismissed for a knock of four runs in 10 balls while Mohammad Rizwan followed suit shortly after. Babar has faced a lot of flak after Pakistan’s defeat which has put them on the brink of elimination.
Cricket fans on social media were quick to find out an old tweet of Babar Azam. Azam’s 2015 tweet saying ‘Welcome Zimbawe’ has gone viral on the micro-blogging site as cricket fans poked fun at the Pakistan captain for his side’s embarrassing defeat. The tweet was made in May 2015 when Zimbabwe became the first test-playing nation to tour Pakistan since the terrorist attack on the Sri Lankan cricket team in 2019 near the Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore.
Following the match, ex-Pakistan pacer Shoaib Akhtar ranted and Babar was one of his main subjects. The legendary fast-bowler called Babar a ‘bad captain’ while calling out the team selection and the batting order of the team.
“I don’t know why is it so hard for you guys to understand. I have said this before, and I am saying it again that with our top and middle-order, we can achieve big success. We can’t win consistently. Pakistan have a bad captain. Pakistan are out of the World Cup. Nawaz has bowled the last over in the three games we have lost,” said Akhtar in a video on his Youtube channel.
“Babar should bat one down. Major flaw in Shaheen Shah Afridi’s fitness. Major flaw in the captaincy, and major flaws in the management. We will back you but what brand of cricket are you playing? You can’t just walk into a tournament and expect that the opposition will let you win,” he added.
