KARACHI: Pakistan captain Mohammad Rizwan has backed struggling Babar Azam to bounce back ahead of the upcoming ICC Champions Trophy 2025 and tri-nation series final against New Zealand.
Azam, whose last ODI century came against Nepal in the 2023 Asia Cup, has been struggling for runs in the format.
Moreover, he has also been promoted to open the innings for Pakistan after regular opener Saim Ayub’s injury.
While talking in a post-match press conference, Rizwan admitted that the team was under immense pressure during the match.
“We had already assumed that the target would be around 320.”
He praised Babar Azam’s strong start but pointed out that wickets fell quickly afterward.
“Babar gave us a good start, but then we lost wickets. At one point, I even stopped watching the match on the screen,” Rizwan revealed.
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He further stated despite the setbacks, Pakistan managed to secure victory.
“Allah helped us, and we won. However, our bowling needs to improve at the death,” he added.
While Discussing Babar Azam’s struggles, Rizwan acknowledged the expectations placed on him because of his numbers in international cricket.
“The issue with Babar Azam is that we demand runs from him in every match. He has become a brand, and perhaps that pressure is affecting him someway. Maybe luck isn’t on his side right now.”
Rizwan emphasized the team’s commitment to winning but pointed out inconsistencies in Pakistan cricket.
“We give our best effort to win. However, our cricketing culture has developed a pattern that never seems to have a consistent outcome.”
He also mentioned the absence of young all-rounder Saim Ayub, calling him a “complete package” that the team was missing.
“I was personally worried about how to cover for Saim Ayub in the field,” he admitted.
Rizwan also revealed that Babar Azam’s promotion to the opening slot was a strategic decision.
“We sent Babar to open the innings according to our plan,” he concluded.
Earlier, Mohammad Rizwan and Agha Salman’s sublime centuries powered Pakistan into the tri-nation series final after beating South Africa by six wickets.
Pakistan chased the daunting total of 353 runs in 49 overs on the loss of four wickets courtesy of brilliant batting from the above-mentioned pair.
Rizwan remained unbeaten on 122*, while Salman scored 134 off 103 deliveries before getting out. His innings included two massive sixes and 16 elegant fours.
READ: Rizwan, Salman tons power Pakistan into tri-series final; South Africa eliminated