“Losing to Bangladesh next?” Fans rip Babar Azam after Pakistan’s NZ defeat

Pakistan’s Champions Trophy journey began with a 60-run defeat to New Zealand in Karachi. A sluggish batting approach, poor bowling, and lackluster fielding cost them the opening match on home soil.

Chasing 321, Pakistan struggled from the start. Babar Azam’s 64 off 90 balls lacked aggression, while Mohammad Rizwan (3 off 14) and Saud Shakeel (6 off 19) failed to build momentum. Fakhar Zaman, batting at No. 4 after an injury scare, managed only 24 off 41 deliveries. The team limped through the middle overs with little intent.

Khushdil Shah (69 off 49) and Salman Agha (42 off 28) injected some late urgency, but the required rate had already skyrocketed. Pakistan collapsed for 260 in 47.2 overs, handing New Zealand a dominant win.

Frustrated fans expressed their anger at the National Stadium. Many doubted Pakistan’s chances against India in the upcoming clash. One fan declared, “They don’t have the level to beat India.” Another called Babar Azam “selfish” and accused him of playing for personal milestones. Some even predicted Pakistan would lose to Bangladesh next.

A fan stormed out of the stadium after Pakistan’s slow start, blasting PCB chairman Mohsin Naqvi for favoring players selected through references. “We don’t need stadiums when you pick parchi (reference-based) players,” he ranted.

Pakistan’s bowling also disappointed. Naseem Shah removed Kane Williamson early, and Haris Rauf dismissed Daryl Mitchell, but New Zealand fought back. Will Young (107 off 113) and Tom Latham (118* off 104) built a strong 118-run partnership. Glenn Phillips added a quick 61 off 39 balls, pushing New Zealand past 300.

Pakistan’s bowlers struggled. Rauf leaked 83 runs in his 10 overs, while Abrar Ahmed and Shaheen Afridi took a beating in the death overs. The home crowd, initially lively, left disappointed as Pakistan slumped to their third consecutive loss against New Zealand.

Pakistan will now head to Dubai for their crucial clash against India on February 23. The pressure is mounting, and fans demand a strong response.