Babar Azam, the backbone of Pakistan’s batting line-up, has been grappling with an extended period of poor form, which once again came to the fore in the ongoing second Test against Bangladesh. This Test series, crucial for both teams, has seen Babar repeatedly fall short of expectations, and his struggles have become a significant talking point.
In the first Test played in Rawalpindi, Babar’s performance was underwhelming. He was dismissed for a duck in the first innings, failing to even open his account. In the second innings, he once again faltered, failing to contribute significantly to Pakistan’s cause. His dismissal in the first Test by Nahid Rana was a significant blow to Pakistan, and his inability to bounce back in the second innings set the tone for Pakistan’s defeat. Bangladesh, buoyed by this, currently leads the two-match Test series 1-0, having clinched the first Test by a massive margin of 10 wickets.
Bangladesh’s Dominance and Pakistan’s Struggles
As the second Test unfolded, Pakistan’s first innings saw them all out for 274 runs. Bangladesh responded with 262 runs, with Liton Das standing out with a crucial knock of 138 runs, and Mehdi Hasan Miraj supporting him with a solid 78. The match, being played at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium, has been a test of resilience for both sides, but more so for Pakistan, who find themselves under immense pressure to level the series.
The second innings for Pakistan has been nothing short of disastrous. Abdullah Shafique, who was expected to provide a solid start, could only muster three runs. Similarly, Saim Ayub, who had shown promise, was dismissed after scoring just 20 runs. The captain, Shan Masood, managed to contribute 28 runs, but it was far from enough to put Pakistan in a commanding position. At this critical juncture, Pakistan needed their premier batsman, Babar Azam, to step up and deliver a big score. Unfortunately, Babar once again succumbed to pressure, managing just 11 runs before being dismissed by Nahid Rana, the same bowler who had claimed his wicket in the first Test.
Babar Azam’s Ongoing Form Woes
Babar Azam’s struggle with form has been a concern not just in this series but over the past few months. His failure to convert starts into significant scores has put Pakistan’s middle order under tremendous pressure. In the second Test’s first innings, Babar could only manage 31 runs before being dismissed by Shakib Al Hasan. His dismissal in the second innings was particularly disappointing; a well-bowled delivery from Nahid Rana took the edge of Babar’s bat and was safely pouched by Shadman Islam in the slips, sealing another failure for the Pakistani captain.
This series has highlighted Babar’s vulnerabilities, particularly against Bangladesh’s bowling attack. His inability to anchor the innings and build partnerships has been a significant factor in Pakistan’s struggles in this series. The weight of expectations on Babar, given his stature in international cricket, has made his failures even more glaring. His continued struggle in this series, where Pakistan desperately needed him to perform, has raised questions about his current form and confidence.
Pakistan’s Dismal Situation and the Road Ahead
As it stands, Pakistan finds itself in a precarious situation. Trailing in the series and with their batting line-up in disarray, the team needs to regroup and find a way to counter Bangladesh’s bowling attack effectively. If Pakistan hopes to level the series, it will require a collective effort from the entire team, especially from its senior players like Babar Azam, who need to lead by example.
The pressure is mounting on Babar, not just as a batsman but as a leader. His inability to guide Pakistan to a competitive position in this series has been a talking point in cricketing circles. With critics pointing out his technical flaws and mental lapses, Babar needs to find a way to rediscover his form and deliver when it matters most.
Bangladesh’s Commanding Position
On the other hand, Bangladesh has been relentless in their pursuit of victory. Their bowlers, led by Nahid Rana, have consistently troubled the Pakistani batsmen, and their batting line-up has shown resilience, with key contributions from players like Liton Das and Mehdi Hasan Miraj. Bangladesh’s performance in this series has been a testament to their growing stature in Test cricket, and they now find themselves on the cusp of a historic series win against Pakistan.
As the fourth day of the second Test progresses, Bangladesh holds the upper hand. With Pakistan struggling to find form, Bangladesh will be looking to capitalize on this advantage and push for a series-clinching win.Babar Azam’s poor form has been a significant factor in Pakistan’s struggles in the ongoing Test series against Bangladesh. His repeated failures have put his team on the back foot, and his inability to deliver in crucial moments has raised concerns about his future as a leading batsman for Pakistan. With Bangladesh poised to take the series, the pressure on Babar to regain his form and lead Pakistan to victory is immense. The cricketing world will be watching closely to see if Babar can overcome this slump and return to his match-winning ways.