A Disappointing Return to Domestic Cricket
Pakistan Test captain Babar Azam faced a nightmare return to domestic red-ball cricket, continuing a lean patch that has worried fans and experts alike. Playing in the Presidents Trophy Grade-I third-round match, the star batsman failed to make any significant impact, raising fresh questions about his current batting form and confidence in the longer format of the game.
Representing Oil and Gas Development Company Limited (OGDCL) against Khan Research Laboratories (KRL) at the Abbottabad Cricket Stadium, Babar was expected to anchor the innings. However, his struggle at the crease was evident from the very beginning, as he failed to read the conditions and bowler tactics effectively during both trips to the middle.
Struggling Against Short-Pitch Deliveries
During the first innings, Babar managed only 12 runs from 20 deliveries. Fast bowler Arshad Iqbal exploited his vulnerability against short-pitched bowling. Trying to pull a delivery towards the mid-wicket region, Babar misjudged the extra bounce, top-edging the ball into the air for an easy catch.
This dismissal highlighted ongoing technical issues that have plagued his recent international outings, preventing him from building substantial innings when his team needed him the most.
Failing to Capitalize in the Follow-on
After KRL posted a formidable 398 in their first innings, OGDCL folded for 217, forcing a follow-on. This presented Babar with an ideal opportunity to redeem himself in the second innings.
Instead of a turnaround, his stay was cut short once again. Faheem Ashraf trapped him lbw with a sharp delivery as the batsman attempted a forward defensive push. Babar departed for just 4 runs off 15 balls, compounding his team's batting woes.
Long-Standing Concerns Over Test Form
These low scores underscore Babar's prolonged struggles in Test cricket, where he has not scored a century since December 2022 against New Zealand. With recent low returns in England and now in domestic fixtures, pressure continues to mount on the star player to rediscover his rhythm ahead of crucial international assignments.
