Pujara Criticizes Babar Azam’s Slow Knock in Pakistan’s Loss to New Zealand

In the opening match of the ICC Champions Trophy 2025, Pakistan suffered a 60-run defeat against New Zealand at Karachi’s National Stadium. Chasing 321, Pakistan struggled and finished well short of the target. Babar Azam faced heavy criticism for his slow-paced 64 off 90 balls, striking at just 71.11.

Indian batter Cheteshwar Pujara, speaking on Pakistan’s Dressing Room show, criticized Babar’s lack of intent, stating that modern one-day cricket demands a more aggressive approach. He emphasized the importance of strike rotation and boundary-hitting, noting Babar’s poor footwork against spinners. He said:

There was no intent. It looks like there is a mental pressure on him. In one-day cricket, you need to bat with freedom, he is a natural stroke player. He needs to bat with more freedom. He needs to rotate strike and hit those odd boundaries. In the present time the strike rate of 70 and 80 are not good enough.

New Zealand’s victory was powered by centuries from Will Young and Tom Latham, alongside Glenn Phillips’ late 50. Pakistan’s top order collapsed early, finding themselves at 22/2 after captain Mohammad Rizwan’s dismissal. While Khushdil Shah showed some resistance lower down the order, Pakistan never gained momentum.

The loss not only dented Pakistan’s confidence but also complicated their path to the semi-finals. Meanwhile, tensions flared within the team, as Shaheen Afridi and Rizwan exchanged words during New Zealand’s innings, highlighting Pakistan’s frustration.