Ramiz Raja Criticizes Babar Azam Following Dismissal in BAN vs PAK Test
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A Troubling Trend for Pakistan Cricket
The recent Test series between Bangladesh and Pakistan has proven to be a sobering experience for the visitors. As Pakistan struggles to find consistency, the spotlight has turned sharply toward star batter Babar Azam. Following a disappointing dismissal in the second Test, former Pakistan captain and commentator Ramiz Raja did not mince his words, criticizing the seasoned campaigner for failing to adjust to the nuances of modern Test cricket.
The Dismissal That Sparked Outrage
Babar Azam, returning to the side after an injury-induced absence in the first Test, found himself in a position to anchor the innings. Having reached a score of 68, he looked well-settled. However, a lapse in concentration against the bowling of Nahid Rana proved fatal. The lanky pacer utilized a clever change of pace that completely deceived the batter. Attempting to work the ball to the leg side, Babar top-edged the delivery, finding Mushfiqur Rahim at mid-on.
For Ramiz Raja, this was not merely a technical error but a failure of cricket intelligence. Raja pointed out that a player of Babar’s experience—having faced deliveries in excess of 149 kph—should be fully aware of a bowler’s propensity to bowl slower balls as a tactical variation. ‘You have spoiled the whole session by giving away your wicket,’ Raja remarked. ‘You have been playing for Pakistan for so long; you should know the bowler will slow his pace down. It is a weakness that smart teams are now exploiting.’
A Broader Crisis for the Pakistan Team
The frustration surrounding Babar Azam’s wicket is part of a larger, systemic issue within the Pakistan squad. Throughout the series, the batting unit has failed to put up substantial scores, consistently falling behind the totals posted by Bangladesh. This lack of resistance has left the team in a precarious position, particularly concerning the World Test Championship (WTC) standings.
Pakistan’s prospects of reaching the WTC final appear dim. Currently sitting in the eighth position, their campaign has been further derailed by an eight-point penalty due to a slow over-rate in previous matches. Captain Shan Masood has openly addressed the team’s struggles, noting that a lack of impact from the pace bowling unit and an inability to build partnerships have contributed to the recent defeats.
The Pressure of Expectations
Despite his dismissal, Babar Azam remains the only top-order batter to show any significant resistance, having surpassed the 30-run mark in this innings. His half-century in this match marked his 20th in WTC history, putting him in elite company alongside the likes of Australia’s Steve Smith and England’s Zak Crawley. Yet, the statistics do little to mask the disappointment of the collapse that followed his departure.
Following Babar’s exit, the lower middle order failed to stabilize the innings. While spinner Sajid Khan provided a spirited cameo, Pakistan was eventually bundled out for 232, trailing by 46 runs. The inability to capitalize on a promising start has become the hallmark of this series for Pakistan.
Conclusion: What Lies Ahead?
As the series progresses, the tactical maturity of the Pakistan batting lineup remains under the microscope. Critics argue that while talent is not in short supply, the application and mental fortitude required for the longest format of the game are currently lacking. With the WTC points table looking increasingly difficult to climb, the team faces an uphill battle to restore pride and performance in the upcoming matches. For a player of Babar Azam’s caliber, the message from legends like Ramiz Raja is clear: talent must be matched with smart, adaptive decision-making if Pakistan is to compete at the highest level again.
