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Former Pakistan all-rounder Mohammed Hafeez has outlined the stark difference between Babar Azam's numbers in bilateral cricket and ICC events. The Pakistan skipper had a forgettable outing at the ongoing 2024 T20 World Cup as his side failed to qualify for the Super 8 stages.
Babar is currently the seventh-leading run-scorer in the tournament and the highest among Pakistanis. However, his 122 runs came at a strike rate of just 101.66. This comes right after a disappointing 2023 ODI World Cup campaign, where he scored 320 runs in nine innings, and was the third-leading run-scorer for Pakistan.
Babar is the leading run-scorer in T20Is and boasts an exceptional average in ODIs as well, but he has nothing much to show for his efforts at the ICC events.
I feel sorry for Babar Azam. For a quality player like him, to have a major dip during ICC events is a big concern. And only Babar Azam can answer this. Is it because of his captaincy?" Hafeez said on PTV Sports.
"I want him to be the highest run-getter for Pakistan and he has that capacity. But when it comes to bilateral series, Babar is on top but in ICC event he is so low down. So this big dip in form is cause for concern and only Babar can answer it or maybe someone else," he added.
Babar Azam did have prolific campaigns at the 2019 ODI World Cup and the 2021 T20 World Cup, but his overall record in ICC events does not justify his potential.
"Babar didn't go for big hits and it was the right strategy" - Mohammed Hafeez defends Babar Azam's sedate knock against Ireland
Babar Azam had to lead from the front with the bat during the run chase against Ireland. The skipper was stranded at one end as Pakistan collapsed to 62-6 while attempting to chase down 107 runs in Florida.
With the top and the middle order failing in the task, Babar scored an unbeaten 32 runs off 34 deliveries with the help of a couple of boundaries as Pakistan ended up winning by three wickets.
"The knock was very good against Ireland. Wickets were falling at the other end and as a senior pro, it's your responsibility to stay till the end and see off the game," Hafeez said in the same interaction.
"Babar didn't go for big hits and it was the right strategy. He made sure that he stayed there and finished it off. Because if Babar got out, Ireland would have got the psychological edge to win the game. So Babar's knock overall was great," he concluded.
Pakistan's nervy win over Ireland helped them finish third in Group A. However, their elimination was confirmed when the USA's clash against Ireland was washed out due to rain, taking the co-hosts' tally to five points, which was out of Pakistan's reach.
