Rawalpindi (Tassawar News): The opening match of the highly anticipated Twenty20 International (T20I) series between Pakistan and South Africa in Rawalpindi witnessed a rare and disappointing moment for the home side, particularly involving star batsman and former captain, Babar Azam. The usually rock-steady anchor of the Pakistani innings was dismissed for a duck, or a zero score, on just the second delivery he faced. This immediate failure not only contributed to Pakistan’s eventual defeat but also saw Azam equal an undesirable milestone previously held by the legendary all-rounder Shahid Afridi—that of the most T20I zero scores by a Pakistani batter.
Babar Azam and the Shared ‘Unwanted Record’
In an uncommon lapse of form, Azam was clean-bowled by South African pacer Corbin Bosch in the final over of the powerplay. For a player who has forged a reputation as one of world cricket’s most consistent and technically sound batters, this dismissal was a significant outlier. With this duck, Babar Azam has now registered eight zero scores in his T20 International career, placing him level with Shahid Afridi.
The two players now jointly occupy the third position on the list of Pakistani cricketers with the most ducks in the T20I format. The narrative surrounding such statistics often labels them as “unwanted records.” However, cricket analysts frequently contextualise these figures, noting that a tough run of form is an inevitable aspect of even the most celebrated players’ careers. Given Azam’s prolific scoring and match-winning contributions over the years, his current setback is overwhelmingly viewed as a temporary dip rather than a fundamental cause for concern regarding his long-term stature or ability.
Other notable names on this specific list, indicative of the inherent risks in the high-stakes T20 format, include Umar Akmal, Saim Ayub, and Kamran Akmal, all of whom have accumulated multiple zero scores during their tenures with the national side. This statistic, therefore, speaks more to the aggressive nature of T20 batting and the frequency of exposure to high-pressure situations than to any lasting flaw in technical capability.
Pakistan’s Series-Opening Struggles
The first encounter of the three-match T20I series proved to be a challenging affair for the hosts. South Africa delivered a convincing performance, securing a comfortable 55-run victory and immediately taking a 1–0 lead in the series.
Chasing a demanding target of 195 runs, the Pakistani batting lineup crumbled under persistent pressure. They were ultimately bowled out for a meagre 139 runs in just 18.1 overs. A critical issue identified by post-match analysis was the failure of the middle order to forge meaningful partnerships, a recurring theme that has hampered the team in recent limited-overs fixtures. Early wickets, including that of Azam, derailed the chase before it could gain any substantial momentum.
“Analysts pointed out that despite home advantage, Pakistan’s batting lacked intent and stability. The failure to rotate the strike effectively and the inability of the middle-order batsmen to anchor the innings proved detrimental to their pursuit of the challenging target,” stated a prominent cricket commentator.
With the T20 World Cup looming on the horizon, these series are being treated as essential laboratories for Pakistan. They provide crucial opportunities for team management to test various squad combinations and, more importantly, to rectify persistent batting flaws ahead of the mega event, where stability and consistency will be paramount.
Debating Babar Azam’s Recent Form
While Babar Azam’s technical ability and remarkable consistency are universally admired and remain largely unquestioned, his recent run of form has generated considerable discussion among the cricket fraternity. The former skipper has experienced a handful of lean innings across different formats over the past few months, which has, predictably, fueled debates among fans and pundits, particularly concerning his approach and tempo during the crucial powerplay overs.
Yet, there remains a strong consensus that Azam’s class is unquestionable. Short-term failures, analysts argue, should not be allowed to overshadow his long-term contributions and his proven ability to perform under pressure. Former players and cricketing legends have vocally urged the passionate Pakistani fanbase to maintain their support for the star batter as he endeavours to regain his characteristic rhythm.
“Babar is one of the finest batters Pakistan has ever produced. Every great player goes through a rough patch; what matters is how he bounces back,” articulated a former Pakistan opener, emphasising the need for patience and backing. The sentiment is clear: temporary turbulence should not undermine the career of a generational talent.
The Afridi-Azam Dynamic: A Study in Contrasts
The comparison between Babar Azam and Shahid Afridi, while triggered by the shared zero-score record, is often a topic of broader discussion because both players have held the mantle of captaincy and played seminal roles in shaping the team’s modern identity.
Afridi, known affectionately as ‘Boom Boom’, was celebrated for his fearless, aggressive batting and flamboyant power-hitting. His approach, while spectacular, carried a high degree of risk, often resulting in spectacular successes but also occasional, swift failures. He remains an icon of Pakistani cricket, holding numerous T20I records for the country, including being one of the leading wicket-takers.
In stark contrast, Babar Azam’s game is meticulously built on timing, precision, and consistency. His batting is characterised by a classical technique and a preference for accumulating runs through calculated stroke play rather than raw power. The equality of the duck record, therefore, is a statistical anomaly, given the fundamentally different approaches the two masters took to the crease in the T20 format.
Conclusion and Forward Look
Babar Azam’s dismissal for a duck against South Africa, though it resulted in his equalling an unwanted statistical record, does little to diminish his overarching stature as one of modern cricket’s truly elite players. Setbacks are an inherent and inescapable part of competitive sport, and the reaction from the cricketing world reflects a collective belief in his inevitable return to form.
Azam remains a non-negotiable cornerstone of the Pakistan batting lineup. His invaluable leadership experience, calm temperament, and technical brilliance continue to make him one of the most significant assets in Pakistan cricket. With two crucial T20Is remaining in the series, the focus is now squarely on the star batter to bounce back strongly, not only to contribute to a series-levelling victory but also to reaffirm his exceptional capabilities.
The series is also serving a higher strategic purpose for the Pakistani team management: a vital opportunity to fine-tune the squad combinations and address perennial weaknesses. Improving middle-order stability and ensuring better strike rotation are critical areas of focus that have persistently troubled the team in limited-overs cricket.
With his demonstrable skill, patience, and relentless determination, Babar Azam has repeatedly shown an ability to transform public criticism into powerful motivation. The current challenge, stemming from a momentary dip in form, is widely anticipated to bring out the best in him once again, reaffirming his place as an indispensable figure in the annals of Pakistan cricket.
Would you like an analysis of the specific technical flaws that might have led to Babar Azam’s dismissal in this match, or a look at Pakistan’s T20 World Cup prospects?
