Babar Azam faced criticism for his relatively slow strike rate of 69.29 while chasing a 262 run target in Pakistan vs New Zealand’s second ODI. Saeed Ajmal, however, defended him, stating that any negative aspects of his game can be rectified. He also said that Pakistan does not need separate captains for different formats, and if they choose to, they should only opt for separate captains in white and red-ball cricket.
Former Pakistan cricket player Saeed Ajmal has defended Pakistan’s national team captain Babar Azam against recent criticism, stating that calling him “selfish” is baseless. Ajmal believes that if Azam is considered selfish, Pakistan’s national team needs more players like him.
Babar has been one of Pakistan’s most prolific players in recent years, across all formats. In 2022, he was their highest run-getter in ODIs and Tests, and the second-highest in T20Is. In nine Tests, he scored a total of 1184 runs, the most by any player.
As the series decider against New Zealand approaches, fans and experts anticipate a strong performance from Babar Azam. New Zealand levelled the three-game series in the second ODI, and Pakistan will be looking to close it out today in the third ODI. The national team will be counting on their captain to step up again after consecutive half-centuries, with 79 in the second ODI, and 66 in the first ODI.