ENG vs NEP turns Babar Azam roast show in commentary box as Aakash Chopra, Parthiv Patel go wild

ENG vs NEP turns Babar Azam roast show in commentary box as Aakash Chopra, Parthiv Patel go wild

Pakistan secured a hard-fought victory against the Netherlands in the opening match of the 2026 T20 World Cup. Faheem Ashraf emerged as the hero for the Men in Green, rescuing them from a precarious position during the game. Despite being in control for most of the match, Salman Ali Agha’s team faced a collapse, going from 98/2 to 114/7 and finding themselves in a tight spot with 29 runs needed in the last two overs.

### Babar Azam’s Struggles
In a surprising turn of events, Babar Azam, known for his experience and skill with the bat, made a disappointing exit after scoring just 15 runs off 18 deliveries. This performance drew criticism from various quarters, including Pakistan’s head coach Mike Hesson, who expressed his frustration at Babar’s dismissal to Roelof van der Merwe. Babar has often been accused of playing too slowly and failing to adapt to the fast-paced nature of T20 cricket.

### Criticism from Former Coaches and Players
Former Pakistan coach Basit Ali joined the chorus of critics on the YouTube show “The Game Plan,” questioning Babar’s playing style and asserting that he is not the top cricketer for Pakistan in T20 matches. Additionally, former wicket-keeper Kamran Akmal suggested that Babar is being slotted into the No. 4 position in the team despite the presence of more dynamic and impactful players in the country.

### Commentary Banter and Viral Remarks
During a commentary stint for the England and Nepal match, former players Parthiv Patel and Aakash Chopra engaged in banter indirectly aimed at Babar and his slow batting approach. While not explicitly naming Babar, their remarks left little doubt as to whom they were referring to. This incident added to the growing criticism surrounding Babar’s suitability for the T20 format.

### Mohammed Kaif’s Analysis
Former Indian cricketer Mohammed Kaif also weighed in on Babar’s performance, highlighting the challenges Babar faces in hitting sixes due to his lack of power-hitting ability. Kaif pointed out Babar’s decent strike rate of 128.15 and an average of 39.30 in T20 cricket, emphasizing the need for him to adapt his style to match the demands of the game.

### Conclusion
Despite Pakistan’s victory over the Netherlands, Babar Azam’s struggles have taken center stage, with criticisms coming from coaches, former players, and commentators. As the T20 World Cup progresses, all eyes will be on Babar to see if he can address these concerns and deliver performances that live up to his reputation as a top cricketer.

### Faheem Ashraf’s Impact
While Babar Azam’s struggles have garnered significant attention, it is crucial to highlight the remarkable performance of Faheem Ashraf in the match against the Netherlands. Ashraf’s unbeaten 44 runs off just 15 balls not only rescued Pakistan from a precarious situation but also showcased his ability to deliver under pressure. His aggressive batting style and ability to accelerate the run rate in crucial moments were instrumental in Pakistan’s victory.

### Team Dynamics and Strategy
The collapse that Pakistan experienced during the match raises questions about the team’s batting depth and strategy. While Babar Azam’s dismissal was a pivotal moment, the inability of other batsmen to capitalize on their starts and build partnerships was a concern. Moving forward in the tournament, Pakistan will need to address these issues and formulate a more cohesive batting strategy to avoid similar collapses in the future.

### Babar Azam’s Mental Resilience
Criticism aside, Babar Azam’s mental resilience and ability to bounce back from setbacks will be crucial in determining his performance in the remainder of the T20 World Cup. As a seasoned cricketer and the captain of the Pakistan team, Babar has the experience and skill to overcome challenges and deliver impactful performances when it matters most. How he responds to the criticism and adjusts his approach will be closely watched by fans and analysts alike.

### Evolution of T20 Cricket
The evolution of T20 cricket has seen a shift towards power-hitting and aggressive batting strategies, with teams increasingly relying on players who can score quickly and effectively. Babar Azam’s classical style of batting, while elegant and effective in longer formats of the game, has faced scrutiny in the fast-paced world of T20 cricket. Adapting to the changing demands of the game and incorporating power-hitting techniques will be essential for Babar to thrive in T20 cricket.

### Importance of Player Development
As the debate surrounding Babar Azam’s T20 capabilities continues, it highlights the importance of player development and strategic planning in modern cricket. Identifying and nurturing talent that is suited to the specific demands of different formats, providing players with the necessary resources and support to enhance their skills, and promoting a culture of continuous improvement are key aspects of ensuring a team’s success in international cricket.

### Looking Ahead
As Pakistan progresses in the T20 World Cup, the focus will undoubtedly remain on Babar Azam and his ability to overcome the challenges he faces. The scrutiny and criticism he has received may serve as motivation for Babar to elevate his game and silence his doubters. With the tournament unfolding, the true test of Babar’s character and skill lies in how he responds to adversity and performs under pressure on the global stage. Pakistan’s journey in the T20 World Cup promises to be filled with excitement, drama, and the potential for Babar Azam to prove his critics wrong.

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