Babar struggles in National T20 Cup
Pakistan's ace batter Babar Azam and frontline pacer Naseem Shah failed to make an impact on National T20 Cup return as the duo delivered forgetful performances for Lahore Blues against Karachi Whites here at the Gaddafi Stadium on Tuesday.
Babar and Naseem, who were among the senior players rested for Pakistan's ongoing five-match away T20I series against New Zealand following the national team's disastrous campaign at the recently-concluded ICC Men's Champions Trophy 2025, headed back to domestic cricket to reclaim their lost touch.
The duo, representing Lahore Region Blues in the ongoing 18-team domestic tournament, however, failed to achieve the desired momentum ahead of the three-match ODI series against New Zealand.
Babar, who scored 87 runs in two innings during the Champions Trophy, opened the innings for Lahore Blues in their second match of the T20 tournament and could score a modest 22 off 17 deliveries with the help of three boundaries.
Naseem, on the other hand, conceded 41 runs in his four overs and went wicketless.
Lahore Blues were eventually bowled out for 134 in 18.5 overs while chasing 172, suffering their first defeat in the ongoing National T20 Cup.
Batting first, Karachi Whites finished at 171/5 in their allotted overs, courtesy of a brisk half-century by Saud Shakeel.
The left-handed batter remained the top-scorer with 73 off 52 deliveries, studded with eight fours and three sixes.
For the unversed, it was reported earlier today that nine members of Pakistan's ODI squad for New Zealand including Babar Azam and Naseem Shah will train at the Lahore City Cricket Association (LCCA) ground here ahead of their departure for New Zealand on March 23.
Akmal's bold claim
Pakistan batter Umar Akmal has made a surprising revelation, claiming that he helped star batter Babar Azam overcome his struggles against spin bowling.
Babar has faced increasing scrutiny for his difficulties against spinners, with a significant number of his recent dismissals coming against them. Several former cricketers have raised concerns over his limited shot selection when facing spin.
Addressing this issue in a recent interview with a private TV channel, Akmal recalled a moment when Babar approached him for advice on handling spin more effectively.
"I distinctly remember when he was struggling against spinners, often getting out around midwicket. He came to me and said, 'Umar bhai, I'm having a bit of trouble,'" Akmal shared.
"I asked about his grip on the bat and suggested that when facing a spinner, he should adjust his grip and keep his eyes on the ball until it's halfway to him. From there, he could decide whether to cut it or play a shot that wouldn't go flat," he added.
Babar Azam was once regarded as a dominant player against spin, boasting an impressive average of 82.1 through the end of 2021. However, his performance against spin has declined in recent years, with his average dropping to around 48.
In 2023, Babar had a strike rate of 77.7 against spin, which fell to 68.4 the following year. By 2025, his strike rate had plummeted to just 60.3, with 20 of his last 39 dismissals coming against spinners.
It is pertinent to mention that the 30-year-old is set to participate in the upcoming ODI series against New Zealand later this month. He was left out of the T20I squad alongside Mohammad Rizwan and pacer Naseem Shah.
Pakistan recently lost back-to-back T20I matches against New Zealand and will play their third match on March 21 in Auckland.
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