Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan were once hailed as the most reliable batters for Pakistan but now the duo have come under major scrutiny after constantly struggling with poor form.
In major ICC tournaments – the 2023 ODI World Cup, 2024 T20 World Cup and the 2025 Champions Trophy, both Rizwan and Babar have failed badly. Their struggle was even clear in the 3rd ODI against West Indies as Pakistan lost by a huge margin of 202 runs.
West Indies End 34-Year Drought In Style
The comprehensive win was the West Indies’ first ODI series triumph over Pakistan in 34 years. Skipper Shai Hope cracked a captain’s knock, not out on 120, to lead his side to 294/6. During the second innings, there was a collapse of Pakistan’s batting line-up by fast bowler Jayden Seales, who took six wickets as Pakistan was sent back for only 92. The win not only gave West Indies a 2-1 series victory but also became the West Indies’ fourth-largest men’s ODI victory by runs in cricket history.
Basit Ali Slams Babar Azam & Mohammad Rizwan For Poor Show
“They’re not living up to the performances they produced at the beginning of their careers. Ab inse bas advertisements kara lo (Let them just do ads now),” Basit Ali said on The Game Plan.
“They don’t listen to the coaches. Whatever the batting coaches say, they just keep pretending to listen. They need someone who can give them a wake-up call, like Inzamam, Yousuf, or Younis Khan. And they know there’s no one who would do that, because they didn’t let anyone do it before.”
Pakistan’s Batting Collapse Raises Questions
Babar Azam was only able to score 9 runs in the match, with Rizwan getting out for a duck without making a contribution. Their lack of success served huge criticism, with former cricketer Basit Ali giving harsh reality check.