Cricket World Cup - "You May Become Pakistan's Leading Run-getter But...": Gautam Gambhir's Tough Talk On Babar Azam

19.10.2023 - 04:15 sports.ndtv.com

Babar Azam, Pakistan cricket team captain at the ODI Cricket World Cup 2023, is under a lot of focus. One loss to India for any Pakistan team can do that.

Though he scored a half-century in the match against India, Babar Azam could not lead his team to a good total against India.

Pakistan were all out for just 191 against India, with Babar Azam top-scoring with a 58-ball 50. However, India surpassed the paltry total in just 30.3 overs with Rohit Sharma scoring a top-notch 86.

Former Indian cricket team player Gautam Gambhir, member of 2007 T20 Cricket World Cup and 2011 ODI Cricket World Cup-winning teams, wants Babar Azam to make wholesome change to his approach to cricket. "I feel Babar will have to change his personality, his game and, importantly, his mindset.

cricket India Cricket Team Pakistan Cricket Team World Cup 2023 cup on Babar Azam Gautam Gambhir Shoaib Akhtar India Pakistan

Pakistan defeated New Zealand by 21 runs via DLS method in a rain-hit World Cup game to keep their semifinal hopes alive in Bengaluru on Saturday. Opener Fakhar Zaman played an unbeaten knock of 126 and was well-assisted by skipper Babar Azam (66 not out) during their run chase, which was impacted by intermitted rain. New Zealand had amassed 401 for six in their 50 overs. Following a short spell of rain, Pakistan were set a revised target of 342 in 41 overs. The rain returned in the 26th over with Pakistan cruising at 200 for one but no play was possible thereafter.

Cricket World Cup 2023 - India vs Pakistan Semis On? Michael Vaughan Asks. Shoaib Akhtar Throws In Spoiler

The Pakistan cricket team suddenly has got a fresh lease of life in the Cricket World Cup campaign. After four straight losses in the Cricket World Cup, the Babar Azam-led Pakistan cricket team returned to winning ways against Bangladesh on Tuesday to rise up to the fifth spot in the points table. Then to increase their chances of a semi-final entry further, there was a favourable result. New Zealand lost to South Africa to be come down to the fourth spot. New Zealand are fourth (8 points, 7 matches, NRR +0.484) while Australia are third (8 points, 6 matches, NRR +0.970).

Cricket World Cup: Babar Azam Hopes Win Against Bangladesh Will Raise Pakistan's Confidence

After Pakistan registered a 7-wicket victory against Bangladesh, captain Babar Azam lavished praise on his team's outstanding performance in all three departments and said that his side will hope to carry the confidence into the next two games. Pakistan defeated Bangladesh in Kolkata to register their third win in the ongoing ICC World Cup 2023. With this brilliant victory, Pakistan broke their four-match losing streak in the ongoing tournament and moved to 5th in the points table with 6 points. Meanwhile, the ODI World Cup semifinal dream remained unfulfilled for Bangladesh.

On England's Cricket World Cup 2023 Disaster, Gautam Gambhir Points Out 'Most Damaging Thing'

It has been a disastrous Cricket World Cup 2023 campaign for defending champions England who have won just one out of their six matches in the tournament till now. With just two points, the Jos Buttler-led side is at the bottom of the table as their latest defeat came against India on Sunday. The bowlers were able to restrict India to 229 but a uninspiring batting display saw them getting all out for 129. Former India batter Gautam Gambhir pointed out that veteran cricketer Joe Root has failed to perform in the competition and his form has been the most "damaging thing" for the English batting line-up.

"Massive Mistake From Our Captain": Pakistan Great Slams Babar Azam After South Africa Defeat In Cricket World Cup 2023

Legendary Pakistan fast bowler Wasim Akram criticised skipper Babar Azam after the team slumped to narrow defeat against South Africa in Cricket World Cup 2023. South Africa lost wickets in a heap after a solid start to the run chase but Pakistan were not able to break the final wicket partnership between Tabraiz Shamsi and Keshav Maharaj. With the pacers completing their entire quota of overs, Babar gave the ball to Mohammad Nawaz but he ended up conceding a crucial boundary that clinched the game for South Africa. While Babar was seen shouting at Nawaz after the match, Akram said that although people will blame the bowler, the responsibility will actually fall on the skipper Babar.

Watch: Haris Rauf's One-Handed Blinder That Almost Won Cricket World Cup 2023 Clash For Pakistan

South Africa survived a late charge from Pakistan to pull off a thrilling one-wicket win and move closer to the semi-finals of the Cricket World Cup 2023 on Friday. Aiden Markram hit a solid 91 and at 206-4 South Africa were well on course to comfortably chase down a 271-run target. However, it was left to the last pair of Keshav Maharaj and Tabraiz Shamsi to score 11 runs while surviving 11 balls. Shamsi survived a leg-before appeal that went to umpire's call off fast bowler Haris Rauf with eight needed before Maharaj hit spinner Mohammad Nawaz to the square-leg boundary to pull off the win in 47.2 overs, sparking wild celebrations in his team's dressing room.