'Schoolboy Stuff': Babar Azam Under Fire After Pakistan's Crushing Loss In PAK vs NZ Champions Trophy Opener

PAK vs NZ: Pakistan's Champions Trophy 2025 campaign got off to a disastrous start as they suffered a crushing 60-run defeat against New Zealand in the tournament opener at the National Bank Stadium in Karachi on February 19 (Wednesday). Hosting an ICC event for the first time in 29 years, Pakistan's batting and bowling faltered as New Zealand registered an emphatic win over the hosts. Pakistan’s batting woes were highlighted by Babar Azam’s struggles in their defeat to New Zealand.

Opening alongside Saud Shakeel, Babar Azam struggled to score freely, managing a scratchy 64 off 90 balls while chasing a daunting 321-run target. Following Pakistan's defeat, cricketer Ahmed Shehzad criticised Babar for letting the nation down.

"He was extremely under pressure,” Shehzad said on Geo News show 'Haarna Mana Hay.'

“There is so much investment in Babar Azam. He is a very good player. But where is he? The country needs him. The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has invested a lot on Babar. He was given a free hand as a captain for four and five years,” he said.

“You have played 52 dot balls. In the first 13 overs, Pakistan has played 60 dot balls. You lost the game there only,” said Shehzad.

'This Is Schoolboy Stuff': Ahmed Shehzad

Shehzad criticised Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan for their slow start while chasing 321, labeling their lack of intent, especially with the new ball, as "schoolboy stuff."

“As a senior player Babar and Rizwan added 14 runs in 38 balls while chasing 321. This is schoolboy stuff. You know that ball was turning and it was a double-paced wicket. So scoring with a new ball was easy and your chance to put pressure on New Zealand. Babar didn’t show any intent.”

“For the past two-three years, he has not performed. In the T20 his game lagged behind. In 59 Tests he has played, Babar has only one player of the match award. The then coach Mickey Arthur did all in his power to establish him in the Test side.

“In the ODIs, where Babar used to own the format. He is struggling. The way he has played against New Zealand, he has dragged Pakistan,” he said.

Pakistan will next lock horns against arch-rivals India on February 23 (Sunday) in both teams’ second match of the Champions Trophy 2025.

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