Pakistan’s decision to rest several senior players including captain Babar Azam has backfired in the first two T20Is and have seen Afghanistan take an unassailable 2-0 lead in the 3-match series. Wicketkeeper-batter Mohammad Rizwan, who is currently the second ranked T20I batter in the world, was replaced by Azam Khan.
However, the 24-year-old has failed to capitalise and scored just one run from the first two outings. In the first T20I, he was dismissed for a second-ball duck by off-spinner Mujeeb Ur Rahman. On Sunday, a disappointed fan body shamed the right-hander by gestures after his dismissal.
Here’s the video:
This Man is quite angry with Azam khan ???? #PakvsAfg pic.twitter.com/e8UlUtvzRn
— Ali Hassan (@Alihassanaulakh) March 26, 2023
Azam, the son of former Pakistan cricketer Moin Khan, was in superb form during the Pakistan Super League (PSL) 2023. Playing for Islamabad United, he scored 282 runs in 10 matches at an average of 40.28 and a strike rate of 161.14.
In the series against Afghanistan, he got an opportunity to represent Pakistan for the first time after July 2021. But he has failed to prove his mettle and make a strong case for himself in the absence of senior wicketkeeper-batter Rizwan.
Pakistan captain Shadab Khan has backed the youngsters to become great cricketers in the future. The all-rounder has said that Pakistan will play for pride in the third and final T20I in Sharjah on Monday.
“It was a good score. We were struggling again. If you look at stats, if you lose 3 wickets in powerplay, you lose 70 percent of the games. I think there’s nervousness – they’re playing for the first time for Pakistan (the new batters). We have to back them. Sometimes you don’t perform but attitude matters. That’s more important for me. They have talent. They will be great cricketers. Will play for pride tomorrow,” he said at the post-match presentation ceremony.
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