Pakistani cricket is incomplete without Babar Azam today. This fantastic batsman has stormed the cricket world with his top-class batting and form. Also, he has transformed the Pakistan cricket team from a losing side into a victorious squad. Whether it’s a test match or T20, we can see Pakistan sailing swiftly under the leadership of Babar. However, injuries can happen to any batsman. Also, tight schedules impact the performance of any player, and Babar isn’t an exception here.
Babar Azam Returns to Lead Pakistan Against New Zealand
When the PCB announced a squad for a short tour against Afghanistan (T20), it rested Babar for the series. The short break allowed Babar Azam to get rid of his fatigue. Plus, he got an opportunity to spend time with his loved ones.
The Pakistani team, without Babar Azam and pacer Shaheen Afridi, lost to Afghanistan 1-2 in T20s. After the break, Babar returned to the squad as captain of the T20 and ODI matches for the series against New Zealand. Besides Babar Azam, the selectors rested Fakhar Zaman, Mohammad Rizwan, Shaheen Afridi, and Haris Rauf for the T20 Series against Afghanistan in Sharjah.
This break for the captain and the other four players allowed selectors to test new talents for upcoming tournaments, especially the ICC ODI World Cup 2023. The selectors retained the three youngsters who made their debut against Afghanistan – fast bowlers Zaman Khan and Ihsanullah and opener Salim Ayub. All three of these youngsters performed well during the tour. Their addition now gives the Pakistani side plenty of options in both the bowling and batting departments.
Filled with energy and enthusiasm, the skipper looks confident, and that gets revealed by Babar Azam’s stats. Why not? After all, his team has not performed badly in the absence of the top five players. Also, he has more choices regarding bowlers and batsmen at his disposal now.
Babar Azam Looks Charged for Upcoming Challenges
The playing conditions for the ODI Cricket World Cup 2023 to be held in India are similar to those in Pakistan. So, a home series will likely give an advantage to the host team. Plus, it’ll let them test experienced as well as new talents before venturing into the World Cup Trophy. Having played eight years of cricket, Babar Azam’s news shows that the captain looks in good spirits. Also, his current form and the performances of other batsmen support his confidence.
Not to forget, the bowling department of Pakistan has always been good. It just got better with the addition of new pacers. The home series against New Zealand will also serve as a warm-up for the Pakistani team before the World Cup Trophy. Anyone can understand this point in the body language of the captain and other players, who seem ready for the battle.
Final Words
The return of Babar Azam to the Pakistan side as captain against New Zealand will give a boost to the team. As well as the home series, the side looks confident and prepared for the ICC ODI Trophy. It would be interesting to see how the Pakistan team plays against the Kiwis and prepares themselves for future challenges.