"Going Into A World Cup...": Mahela Jayawardena Opens Up On Babar Azam's Recent Struggles

21.09.2022 - 09:21 sports.ndtv.com

"So near, yet so far." This proverb was totally justified in the case of Team Pakistan, when they failed to defeat Sri Lanka in the summit clash of Asia Cup 2022.

Giving a fairly good performance in the Super 4 stage, Pakistan lost the final match by 23 runs against Sri Lanka. In the tournament, Pakistan found heroes in the form of Mohammad Nawaz, Haris Rauf, and Shadab Khan, who gave great performances with the ball.

But on the other hand, Pakistan's major disappointment was skipper Babar Azam himself, who could manage only 68 runs in six matches.

Babar has been receiving a lot of flak from both fans and cricket experts for his dismal show. However, former Sri Lanka skipper Mahela Jayawardena came out in support of Babar and stated that Pakistan should not put unnecessary pressure on the skipper, as it would affect his performance in the upcoming World Cup. "When you have a quality player like that, try and not put pressure on him.

cricket Sri Lanka Cricket Team 2022 cup on Babar Azam Sri Lanka Pakistan

Australia will attempt to defend the trophy they won in Dubai last year when they host the T20 World Cup this month.

"Pakistan Over Dependent On Babar Azam, Mohammad Rizwan": Former India Batter On T20 World Cup Clash

Cricket fans will be in for a treat when India take on Pakistan in a blockbuster clash at the T20 World Cup in Australia later this month. Both teams will square off in a group game at the iconic Melbourne Cricket Ground on Sunday, October 23. While comparing both teams ahead of the star-studded clash, former India batter Sanjay Bangar feels that the Rohit Sharma-led side is in a better position heading into the tournament. Bangar also said that Pakistan are way too reliant on their openers, Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan.

Shaheen Afridi Fires Subtle Warning To Rivals With 4-Worded Tweet Ahead Of T20 World Cup 2022

Pakistani speedster Shaheen Afridi might have missed out on cricketing duties of late but he has one eye on the forthcoming T20 World Cup in Australia. With Shaheen out injured, Pakistan have struggled to express themselves as well as they want to on the cricket field. Just days before the start of the T20 World Cup 2022, Shaheen has fired a warning to rival teams and their fans.

Pakistan vs England: Babar Azam Equals Virat Kohli For Big T20I Milestone, Joins Elusive List

Pakistan skipper Babar Azam may have had a poor Asia Cup, but he has found his mojo again in the seven-match T20I series against England. On Friday, the 27-year-old became the joint-fastest player to reach 3000 runs in T20Is, drawing level with Indian batting icon Virat Kohli. Both players reached the milestone in 81 innings. In the process, he also overtook Ireland's Paul Stirling to become the fourth-highest run-scorer in the format. He is only behind Rohit Sharma, Kohli and New Zealand's Martin Guptill.

Watch What Happened When Babar Azam Took On Fiery Pakistan Pacer In Nets

Pakistan captain Babar Azam is one of the best batters in the world right now, while Naseem Shah is one of the most exciting young pacers going around. So what happened when the two squared off in the nets? Naturally, it was a fiery affair as the two sparred during a training session amid Pakistan's seven-match T20I series against England. In a video shared by the Pakistan Cricket Board, Shah is seen bowling at Babar. The contest turned out to be a rather even one, with Babar just about edging out the youngster.